The landing strips at Ben Gurion International Airport were ordered to be changed on Monday afternoon “due to the current situation,” according to a report by the Kan public broadcasting network.
The IDF has declared the Gaza border “a closed military zone,” and more Iron Dome anti-missile defense batteries were set up throughout the country. Border crossings with Gaza at Kerem Shalom and Erez were ordered closed “till further notice.”
Numerous other preparations are also being made as the State of Israel girds itself for a possible extended conflict with Hamas in Gaza in the wake of a Hamas missile attack on Petach Tikvah early Monday that left seven injured, including a baby and two children.
The Israeli military has shut down the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip and Israeli farmers have been pulled from their fields near the border. Some community residents with small children are leaving in those areas located closest to the border, according to i24TV reporter Jonathan Regev.
After-school programs in communities surrounding Gaza have been cancelled ahead of pending escalation in accordance with military directives to community leaders.
Special instructions were issued for residents of Sderot and those living within the Gaza Envelope: prohibition on events with 300 attendees or more.
“In light of the security tensions and after conducting an assessment of the current situation, the following has been directed by the IDF,” Ashkelon Beach Council head Itamar Revivo wrote to community leaders in his district.
“Youth activities are revoked in all communities. We are in close contact with the military and will be informed of further changes as necessary.”
Public bomb shelters in the Sdot Negev Regional Council District have been opened by the local authority as well, it was announced Monday afternoon.