After Attacking Iran, Israel Suspends Classes and Businesses to Prevent Retaliation
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 28 - The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on February 28 that after carrying out a "preemptive" strike against Iran, alarms were raised across Israel, with civil aviation grounded, schools closed, and businesses widely shut down.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement declaring that the entire country of Israel has "immediately" entered a "special state of emergency."
This is a photo taken on February 28 of thick smoke in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo by Xinhua reporter Chen Junqing
According to multiple foreign media reports, alarms sounded across Israel at 8:15 AM local time on the 28th (2:15 PM Beijing time). According to the Israeli military, the alarms were intended to provide the public with an "early warning of potential missile attacks." Additionally, people across the country received mobile alerts warning them to be on guard against an "extremely serious" threat.
According to Reuters, the Israeli military announced that schools would be closed and all units, except for essential sectors, would cease operations. Furthermore, Israel has closed its airspace to civil aviation, and relevant authorities have advised the public not to go to airports.
Katz stated that the strikes on targets within Iran were aimed at "eliminating threats." An Israeli Defense Ministry official, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the U.S. and Israel had coordinated and planned this operation for months, finalizing the date of action weeks ago.
Al Jazeera reported on the 28th, citing U.S. officials, that the U.S. and Israel have launched a joint military operation against Iran, with the goal of destroying Iran's security system. (Wang Yijun)
Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran on February 28, 2023, prompting nationwide alerts and the closure of schools and businesses. The Israeli Defense Forces declared a state of emergency, and civilian air traffic was halted. This operation was coordinated with the United States and aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from Iran.
- Israel conducted a preemptive strike against Iran on February 28, 2023.
- Nationwide alerts were issued in Israel, leading to the closure of schools and businesses.
- Israeli airspace was closed to civilian flights as a precaution against potential retaliation.
- The operation was coordinated with the United States and planned for several months.
- Israeli officials stated the strike aimed to eliminate threats from Iran.