‘Israel’ ends special emergency status in southern territories

In a move signaling a significant shift in internal security, ‘Israel’s’ Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, officially announced on Monday the termination of the “special state of emergency.”

The decision, which directly impacts the home front, specifically targets the southern territories, which had been under strict emergency measures for over a year.

This step is particularly notable as it represents the first time the highest level of alert has been officially lifted in the region. The emergency had been in place continuously since October 7, 2023, the date when Hamas launched attacks that drastically changed the security landscape.

Official Confirmation and Details

The news was confirmed by Hebrew-language media, with Israel Hayom reporting that Minister Katz had formalized the decision on Monday. According to the report, the order ends the “special state of emergency” that had been applied to the southern home front.

The newspaper emphasized that the emergency had remained in effect continuously, never suspended or lifted during the past year. This means the southern areas lived under these exceptional conditions since the first day of the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas, which prompted the emergency declaration.

What Ending the “State of Emergency” Means

The decision carries immediate practical implications for residents of the south. It officially closes the chapter on the “highest alert” status imposed in response to the October 7 attacks.

The emergency, which lasted over twelve months, included not only military readiness but also strict security restrictions affecting daily life. Broad emergency measures were implemented, impacting all aspects of life in the southern territories near Gaza, given their geographic proximity to the source of the threat.

With Katz’s decision, these restrictions are now expected to be rolled back as the “special state of emergency” designation is lifted.

Basis: New Security Assessments

The move comes following “new security assessments” provided by the military to political authorities. These assessments, monitoring conditions in and around Gaza, reportedly indicate a clear reduction in the immediate threats previously emanating from the area.

This decrease in perceived risk allowed Defense Minister Katz to take the unprecedented step of ending the emergency status.

Continued Vigilance

Despite officially ending the special emergency, sources stressed that this does not mean a full return to pre-October 7 security conditions. The military will continue close monitoring of the situation, maintaining surveillance and intelligence systems at full readiness.

The army will remain prepared for any sudden developments that might require a reassessment of the security situation in the southern territories.