Israeli IDF Rear Command announced on Thursday (March 5th) that it would gradually relax the restrictions on public gatherings as the frequency of missile and drone attacks from Iran slows down. However, the prerequisite for gatherings is to have access to shelters, while schools and beaches will remain closed.
According to the latest assessment of the situation by the Israeli Home Front Command, from noon on March 5th to the evening of March 7th (Saturday), the nationwide activity restrictions in Israel have been adjusted from “essential activities” to “limited activities.” The military will conduct a new assessment after March 7th.
Under the new version of Israel’s epidemic prevention and security guidelines, gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed provided there are shelters available for timely access. However, educational activities in all levels of schools, with few exceptions, remain suspended. Workplaces with proper shelter facilities can resume operations, but beaches are still not open to the public.
In addition, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated on March 4th that there are signs of a decrease in the frequency of drone and missile attacks by Iran. He and Minister of War Pete Hegseth mentioned during a press conference that since the launch of the “Operation Wrath of God” on February 28th, missile attacks by Iran on Israel and other countries have decreased by 86%, with a 23% reduction in the past 24 hours, and drone launch attacks have also decreased by 73%.
Looking back at the initial phase of countering Iran’s aggression on February 28th, the Israeli Rear Command imposed strict bans on the public, suspending non-essential commercial and educational activities, and prohibiting large indoor and outdoor gatherings and religious ceremonies. The restrictions covered public and private sectors, only allowing essential businesses and services to operate.
However, these restrictions have also brought heavy economic costs to the country. The Israeli Ministry of Finance warned on March 4th that if strict controls continue, the expected weekly economic losses could reach up to 9.4 billion new shekels (about $3 billion).
On the same day, Ilan Rom, Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Finance, wrote to Rear Command Commander Major General Shai Klapper, strongly urging the military to ease restrictions to allow businesses and workplaces to gradually reopen starting on March 5th.
Rom cautioned that “Maintaining appropriate defense policies is indisputable according to the security situation, but at the same time, massive closure of economic activities will bring heavy economic costs.”
Besides, the first evacuation flights from Athens, Greece are expected to arrive between late March 4th and early March 5th. These flights are expected to bring back thousands of Israeli citizens stranded abroad due to the conflict. It is estimated that around 100,000 Israelis have been unable to return home since the hostilities erupted.