❗️Israel moves to extend nationwide state of emergency beyond elections claiming 'high likelihood' of attack

Israel is preparing to extend its nationwide state of emergency until 3 November, beyond the 27 October Knesset elections, citing intelligence assessments warning of a supposedly "high likelihood" of attacks targeting civilians, Ynet reported on 15 October.

Israeli War Minister Israel Katz requested the extension, while Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs circulated the proposal for an urgent ministerial vote. The current declaration expires on 20 October.

According to Ynet, Israeli security officials cited continued uncertainty surrounding Iran and Lebanon to justify maintaining the emergency measures, although no restrictions on public gatherings, education, or daily activities are currently in effect.

The declaration, first imposed on 28 February during the US and Israel's war on Iran, has been repeatedly renewed, most recently on 6 October. It grants the Israeli military's Home Front Command expanded authority to impose restrictions if deemed necessary.

The proposed extension would keep these emergency powers in place throughout Israel's elections, pending government approval and authorization from the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

War Ministry legal adviser Mor Yamin-Bartal acknowledged that repeatedly extending the declaration could raise legal concerns but maintained that the measure was necessary.

Israel has not publicly provided specific evidence supporting the latest warnings of an imminent attack.