Israel's Home Front Command announced on Saturday that the entire country is now operating under essential-only activity. The emergency policy went into effect early Friday at 3:00 a.m.

It will remain in force until at least Sunday at 8:00 p.m., with potential for extension based on the evolving threat level.

All educational institutions, including kindergartens, daycare centers, schools, special education programs, summer camps, youth organizations, and higher education facilities, have been shut down. There will be no formal or informal learning activities, and competitive sports events for children and teens have also been canceled.

Most workplaces have been ordered to close, with only vital sectors and emergency services permitted to continue operations. Adults’ competitive sports, customer-facing business activity, and public entertainment are suspended. Gatherings of any kind—including cultural events, weddings, and religious services—are strictly prohibited, as is access to malls, gyms, and fitness studios.

People take cover in public shelter following missile attack from Iran on Israel, at Tel Aviv, Israel June 13, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/ITAY COHEN)
People take cover in public shelter following missile attack from Iran on Israel, at Tel Aviv, Israel June 13, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/ITAY COHEN)
Air travel has also been dramatically impacted. Ben-Gurion Airport remains empty following the Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent escalation. The Transportation Ministry is preparing a rescue flight model, which may launch as early as Monday, pending approval from the military. According to Transportation Minister Miri Regev, the initial phase will see only incoming flights to Israel, in order to avoid crowding at departure terminals. Most of the aircraft are expected to depart from Athens and Larnaca, where Israeli airline fleets are currently stationed. Passengers will be required to cover the cost of their flights, as the government will not subsidize the evacuation efforts.

Over 50,000 Israelis stuck aboad as Ben-Gurion Airport shut down

Officials estimate that more than 50,000 Israelis are currently stranded abroad without return tickets—and that number could surpass 100,000 by tomorrow. Civil Aviation Authority head Shmuel Zakai warned that the closure of Israeli airspace is likely to last “weeks, not days or hours,” noting that while alternative arrangements are being coordinated, the return process will be slow and gradual.

“We won’t be resuming full air traffic soon. It will be phased, and may even stop intermittently,” he said. “Our top priority is to prevent harm to people and aircraft.”

Meanwhile, Israelis at home are being urged to prepare protected spaces in case of further attacks. Residents are instructed to identify the safest location in their homes—preferably a secure room, shelter, or internal stairwell—and to avoid dangerous areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, which contain materials that can shatter or collapse.

Emergency authorities are calling for continued vigilance, warning that while the home front remains resilient, the days ahead may be marked by further disruptions and danger.