Israel Declares State of Emergency as It Attacks Beirut, Lebanon
Israel has launched a series of missiles and airstrikes on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon and as well declared a state of emergency for 48 hours. The reaction of Israel is coming as it continues to face threats from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon.
The group has also said it launched a barrage of missiles on Israel saying that it was the first phase of its response to the killing of one of its top commanders Faud Shukr.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant released a statement to declare an emergency. He said that it was necessary to limit gathering and to close sites.
“The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant,” Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office.
“I am convinced that there is a high probability of an attack against the civilian population in areas of the country where the declaration of a special situation did not apply,” he said, referring to previous local emergency measures.
“I hereby declare a special situation on the home front in other areas of the country. The situation is valid for 48 hours starting at 6:00 am,” Gallant said.
The Israeli commander has also briefed the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on the overall situation.
“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel,” Gallant told Austin, according to the statement.
“We are closely following developments in Beirut, and we are determined to use all the means at our disposal in order to defend our citizens.”
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