Israelis brace for Iranian escalation with home front restrictions – nuclear facility attacked
As the Israelis braced for possible escalation under a declared state of emergency, authorities have tightened restrictions on public gatherings, transportation and medical services while activating emergency protocols nationwide.
An empty traffic circle in Jerusalem while Israel was in a state of emergency on June 13, 2025. Photo by Pesach Benson/TPS-IL
Educational activities were cancelled and public gatherings are restricted.
“Public transportation will be operated in a very limited manner, with an emphasis on service to hospitals and essential destinations,” the Ministry of Transportation said. Heavy rail services are currently running as scheduled, though passengers are instructed to follow safety orders in case of alarms. Light rail services in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were suspended until further notice.
With the skies closed off, flights at Ben-Gurion Airport were cancelled, including those of El Al, the nation’s flag carrier.
“Flights that were en route to Israel have been diverted to land at various El Al destinations. Flights that were scheduled to depart from Israel are also canceled until further notice,” El Al said.
A special evacuation train has been deployed to assist passengers leaving the airport.
In parallel, the Ministry of Health has raised the national medical alert to its highest level. “All hospitals have been placed on the highest level of alert,” a spokesperson confirmed. Elective procedures and outpatient appointments have been cancelled, and health fund clinics are limiting activity to essential services only, such as dialysis.
Hospitals are actively discharging stable patients to free up capacity. “The Ministry of Health asks the public to avoid coming to hospitals in non-urgent cases,” the ministry said.
In the meantime, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran’s nuclear facility at Natanz was among the targets of Israeli strikes.
“The IAEA is closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation in Iran. Agency can confirm Natanz site among targets. The Agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country,” the UN agency tweeted.
