Israel’s Home Front Command announced a shift in defense policy that took effect Sunday morning at 6:00 AM. Under the new guidelines, in-person classes have been canceled nationwide, and workplaces will operate only where standard protected spaces are available. The new policy divides Israel into two zones—”orange” and “yellow”—with different gathering restrictions for each area, and will remain in effect until Tuesday at 8:00 PM.
The decision to cancel classes across the board was made Saturday night by the Education Ministry, even in municipalities designated “yellow,” following direct missile hits on Dimona and Arad. Passover break is scheduled to begin in schools this coming Tuesday. The new guidelines come against the backdrop of the Iranian attack that began with missile launches toward Israel, following the joint Israeli-American strike in Tehran on February 28.
Under the updated policy, in areas designated “yellow”—including Judea, Samaria, the Jordan Valley, the Gaza envelope, and the Arava—gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted in buildings with protected spaces. In the rest of the country, designated “orange,” gatherings are limited to 50 people, provided a standard protected space can be reached within the required response time.
The IDF emphasized that some of the missiles launched may have the capability to disperse small munitions, and stressed the importance of following Home Front Command instructions and entering a protected space immediately when a siren sounds. Additionally, do not leave the protected space until receiving explicit instructions that the danger has passed. Home Front Command operates three warning stages, including an advance alert to mobile phones about ten minutes before the barrage arrives.
*Priority Order for Choosing a Protected Space:*
Home Front Command details the priority order for selecting a protected space to ensure your safety. The most preferred choice is a residential protected space (MMD), floor protected space (MMK), or institutional protected space (MMM). Ensure the blast door and steel window are tightly closed. If these options are unavailable, choose a shelter, provided it can be reached within the required response time.
If no residential protected space or shelter is available, an internal stairwell is the next alternative. In a building over three stories, stay in the stairwell with at least two floors above you, and in a lower building choose the middle floor. Avoid the ground floor. The last option is to choose an internal room in the house with as few external walls and openings as possible, sitting close to an internal wall and below window level.
It’s important to emphasize that kitchens, bathrooms, or toilets should not be chosen as protected spaces, due to the danger of shattering ceramic tiles and glass. If a siren sounds while outdoors, lie on the ground and protect your head with your hands. Be sure to clear protected spaces and access routes to them of any objects that could interfere with safe and quick passage.