Israel restricts gatherings over Iranian threat

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israel on Saturday announced new restrictions on civilian gatherings across the country in response to threats of a potential Iranian attack in retaliation for a strike that killed seven of its military officers.

The guidelines issued by the army's Home Front Command prohibited educational activities nationwide and impose restrictions on gatherings, limiting them to a maximum of 1,000 people.

While many educational institutions are presently closed for the Passover holiday, army spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that the restrictions extend to school trips and camps as well.

The measures are effective until Monday at 11 p.m. local time (2000 GMT).

Hagari assured the public that Israel's air defenses are on high alert, with numerous planes poised in the sky, ready to respond to any potential threats.

Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul