The Israel Defense Forces announced Monday evening new security restrictions for northern Israel following a fresh assessment of the escalating confrontation with Hezbollah along the Lebanese border.
According to the IDF Home Front Command, gathering limits in frontline communities will be significantly reduced beginning Tuesday morning. Indoor gatherings in confrontation-line areas will now be limited to 200 people, down from the previous cap of 600, while outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 50 people instead of 200.
The updated directives were approved by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir following operational evaluations conducted by the military.
Education Restrictions Tightened
The Home Front Command also ordered stricter educational regulations in approximately 43 communities located adjacent to the Lebanese border fence.
Under the revised guidelines, educational activities must now take place either inside or immediately adjacent to certified protected spaces. Student transportation services will be suspended, except for special education frameworks.
The IDF emphasized that the overall alert level and color-coded defensive posture remain unchanged, describing the measures as adjustments within the existing security policy framework.
The worsening security situation has prompted several local authorities to take independent precautionary measures.
Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council head Shimon Guetta announced the suspension of all school activities in his jurisdiction due to the ongoing escalation.
“I will not take unnecessary risks or allow our children and educational staff to become targets for the enemy,” Guetta said, adding that residents of the region are living under “continuous fire.”
Meanwhile, Shlomi council head Gabi Naaman announced a transition to remote learning for all schools in the border town and called on authorities to officially close educational institutions in frontline communities.
Naaman said Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo warned local leaders that the security situation is “escalating day by day” and could intensify further in the coming nights.
Preparing for Expanded Offensive Against Hezbollah
Israeli defense officials said the military is preparing for a broader strike campaign against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and is awaiting authorization from the political leadership.
The IDF confirmed that it has already launched attacks against Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley and additional areas across the country. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli Air Force aircraft reportedly struck more than 70 Hezbollah targets, including weapons storage facilities and approximately 10 command centers.
The military also stated that Hezbollah operatives operating near IDF positions were killed during the strikes.
Netanyahu Vows to Intensify Attacks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would significantly intensify its military response following Hezbollah’s increased use of explosive drones.
In a video statement published on social media, Netanyahu declared:
“We will increase the blows and increase the intensity. We will strike them decisively.”
He added that Israeli forces had eliminated more than 600 Hezbollah operatives in recent weeks and stressed that Israel would continue escalating military pressure.
Addressing the growing drone threat, Netanyahu said Israel has established a dedicated team focused on countering Hezbollah’s UAV operations.
U.S. Backs Israel’s Right to Respond
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced support for Israel’s actions, stating that Hezbollah’s continued rocket and drone launches justify Israeli military responses.
“If Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel — and it does — Israel has every right to respond and prevent that from happening,” Rubio said.
Hezbollah launched several explosive drones from Lebanon throughout Monday, according to the IDF.
One drone struck a house in Metula, while another crashed near Shomera. No casualties were reported.
Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across the western and upper Galilee regions during the morning hours. The military noted that contact was lost with some unmanned aerial vehicles during interception attempts.
Meanwhile, Israel Fire and Rescue Services reported that a wildfire erupted in a wooded area near Rosh HaNikra following a drone impact. Firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze Monday evening.
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