Israel’s Home Front Command has imposed stricter emergency guidelines across southern regions following direct missile strikes in Arad and Dimona that left 175 people injured, including dozens in serious condition.

Under the updated directives, public gatherings in affected areas are now limited to no more than 50 people, and all educational activities have been suspended.

The new restrictions were issued after a security assessment and apply to the Lachish region, western Lachish, western Negev, central Negev, southern Negev, and the Dead Sea area, all of which have been placed under a “limited activity” status.

According to the detailed guidelines, no in-person educational programs are permitted. Schools and all forms of physical instruction have been halted entirely.

Public gatherings are allowed only up to 50 individuals, and only in locations where a protected shelter can be reached within the required response time.

Workplaces may continue to operate, but only if employees have immediate access to a standard protected space in the event of an alert.

These measures took effect on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. and are scheduled to remain in place until Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.

Earlier in the evening, Israel’s Ministry of Education announced a nationwide suspension of all in-person schooling following consultations with Home Front Command leadership. Education Minister Yoav Kisch said that on Sunday and Monday, all prior exceptions allowing classroom learning would be canceled, including for special education.

Students across the country will transition exclusively to remote learning during this period, with no physical attendance permitted.

The Ministry of Education stated: “We emphasize that all exceptions previously granted for in-person learning, including special education, are canceled. A new assessment will be held ahead of Tuesday, and additional updates will be provided accordingly.”

{Matzav.com}