Israeli authorities announced on Saturday the complete closure of their airspace to civilian aircraft, a surprise move that coincided with the Israeli military's announcement of a "preemptive strike" against targets in Iran. Sirens wailed in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, creating a tense atmosphere in the region.
Details of the airspace closure
Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated that the decision was based on urgent security assessments. In an official statement, she said, "Following the rapidly evolving security situation, I have instructed the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to immediately close Israeli airspace to all incoming and outgoing civilian flights." This measure is part of emergency protocols activated when there is a high risk of missile retaliation or air attacks, meaning that air traffic at Ben Gurion International Airport will be suspended and incoming flights will be diverted to alternative airports in neighboring countries or returned to their points of origin.
Declaration of a state of emergency and statements by the Minister of Defense
In a related development, the Israeli Ministry of Defense officially announced the attack on Saturday morning, describing it as a "preemptive strike" to neutralize imminent threats. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared a "special and immediate state of alert" across the country. This declaration grants the Home Front Command broad powers to impose restrictions on gatherings, cancel educational activities, and open public shelters in all cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Security context and regional tension
These developments come amid an unprecedented escalation in the Middle East, where the years-long covert war between Israel and Iran has transformed into direct and open confrontations. Observers believe the use of the term "preemptive strike" indicates Israeli intelligence regarding an imminent Iranian attack, prompting an urgent military response. These events have placed the entire region on a knife's edge, amid international fears that the situation could spiral into a full-blown regional war that would disrupt energy supplies and global trade routes.
Internal effects and warnings for residents
Residents of Jerusalem and the central region experienced moments of panic as air raid sirens wailed, an event with serious security implications given the city's status. Simultaneously, millions of Israelis received warning messages on their mobile phones containing the phrase "Extremely serious alert," urging them to remain near fortified areas. These extraordinary measures reflect the seriousness of the military situation and the Israeli security establishment's expectation of a strong response from Iran or its proxies in the region.
