Israel declares nationwide state of emergency as tensions rise

The Israeli government declared a nationwide state of emergency until September 30, on Monday evening, as anticipation for expanded Hezbollah rocket fire rises.

According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli Cabinet ministers voted to declare a "special home front situation” throughout Israel.

The vote was done by telephone, as proposed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The decision was made after the exchange of rockets and missiles between Israel and Hezbollah significantly increased over the last days, after thousands of pagers and handheld radios were detonated across Lebanon.

The Israeli army reportedly attempted to assassinate top Hezbollah commander Ali Karaki on Monday. Israel has launched over 800 missiles and drones in Lebanon over a 24-hour period, killing around 500 people, including women and children. The Israeli army ordered the evacuation of residents of southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has killed over 41,400 people, mostly women and children, following a cross-border attack by Hamas last October 7.