Netanyahu Consults with Israeli Army Commanders; Schools Closed Until Monday

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has gone to the Israeli army's military headquarters in "Kiryat" to consult with senior military officials regarding the anticipated retaliatory attack by the Islamic Republic against Israel. Meanwhile, restrictions have been announced in Israel, including limitations on gatherings and educational activities. The website "Times of Israel" reported that Yoav Gallant, the country's Minister of Defense, also discussed the potential attack with Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the army, and other military officials. Additionally, the news network "Channel 12" reported that according to assessments from the country's security agencies, the Islamic Republic will aim to strike military targets rather than civilian ones in response to the attack attributed to Israel, which on April 2 resulted in the deaths of several senior commanders and members of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Damascus, Syria. Furthermore, the spokesperson for the Israeli army announced on Saturday that new restrictions have been imposed on civilian gatherings. Daniel Hagari stated that military command directives prohibit educational activities throughout Israel and limit gatherings to one thousand people. He added that in some areas, particularly near the borders with the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, gathering restrictions will be stricter than before. Hagari noted that most educational institutions are currently closed due to the Passover holidays and that these restrictions will also apply to travel and excursions. He also mentioned that the restrictions are valid until 11 PM on Monday, April 17, and emphasized that Israel's air defense is "on standby" with "dozens of aircraft in the sky ready." During the attack attributed to Israel on the Islamic Republic's consulate in Damascus on April 2, six senior commanders of the Quds Force were killed. Since then, the leader and other officials of the Islamic Republic have threatened retaliation against Israel. The country has not yet confirmed or denied carrying out this attack. The Dutch Foreign Minister stated that Iran should not attack Israel, and there has been a "temporary" closure of the Dutch embassy and the consular and visa section of the German embassy in Tehran. The British Defense Minister stated that Iran must immediately cease its destabilizing behavior. The United States is making efforts to prevent escalation; Secretary Blinken's discussions with Middle Eastern officials continue. Two naval ships have been repositioned in the region; the goal of the United States is to support Israel and American forces. Exclusively, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has "immediately" halted flights over Israel and Iran.