After six days, 400 missiles & 1000 drones: IDF loosens security restrictions but schools remain closed

After six days of strict security measures that brought much of the country’s public life to a halt, the IDF Home Front Command eased its directives, allowing certain workplaces to resume operations and permitting small gatherings.

Workplaces where employees can reach a safe room within the time frame specified by Home Front Command alerts will be permitted to reopen.

However, schools will remain closed, limiting the possibility of many parents of young children returning to work.

Instructions for the border areas, including the north, the Jordan Valley, Eilat and the Gaza border communities, will be even slightly less restrictive than the rest of Israel.

While most of the country will be limited to gatherings of up to 30 people – excluding educational activities – border areas will be permitted to host gatherings of up to 50 people in open spaces and up to 100 people indoors.

Events like weddings, sports events, concerts, and others, will be banned.

According to Army Radio, citing an official, the looser instructions for the border areas are “An important message of reinforcement and providing an opportunity specifically for these areas, which are at the forefront of the national effort.”

Despite Israel’s air defenses intercepting 100% of some 1,000 drones, and more than 90% of the roughly 400 ballistic missiles fired at Israel, the small number of projectiles that impacted killed 24 Israelis to date – most of them while they were outside a safe room or shelter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the discipline and determination of Israel’s citizens on Wednesday.

“I must tell you that I am speaking with world leaders, and there is tremendous admiration for our determination, for the achievements of our forces, and there is also tremendous admiration for you – the citizens of Israel; for your steadfast spirit, for your resilience.”

“We are suffering many losses – painful losses. But we are seeing that the home front is strong, the people are strong, and the State of Israel is stronger than ever. I have instructed government ministries to provide aid to all those affected,” he said.

According to Kan News, approximately 5,000 people were evacuated from their homes due to damage from the Iranian missiles so far.

The easing of restrictions came after several days of declining missile fire from Iran. During the first three days of fighting, the regime launched at least 20 – and often between 30 to 40 – ballistic missiles per barrage.

However, since the largest salvo on Monday morning, only one subsequent barrage has included as many as 20 missiles, with several others consisting of just a few – or even a single – ballistic missile.