Israel’s Ashkelon opens public shelters amid regional escalation

By Abdel Ra'ouf Arnaout and Lina Altawell

JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL (AA) - Authorities in Israel’s southern city of Ashkelon opened public shelters on Thursday amid concerns over a possible US strike against Iran.

The Ashkelon municipality said in a statement posted on its Telegram account that the decision came after declaring a state of maximum alert late Wednesday due to rising regional tensions.

“There is currently no warning or concrete indication of a direct threat to the city of Ashkelon,” the municipality said, adding that the move aims to “enhance residents’ sense of security.”

The decision followed an announcement by the Israeli military late Wednesday that it had increased its defensive readiness and was closely monitoring regional developments. That announcement prompted municipalities in Beersheba, Gan Yavne and Dimona in southern and central Israel to open public shelters the same evening.

US and Israeli pressure on Tehran has intensified since anti-government protests erupted in Iran on Dec. 28 over worsening economic and living conditions.

Israel’s public broadcaster said Wednesday that Israeli assessments indicate the US may target Iran “in the coming days,” adding that Israel expects to receive advance notice hours before any strike.

Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Iran of rebuilding its ballistic missile capabilities damaged in a 12-day war in June. Israel has sought US approval to target Iran again, according to Israeli media.

Israel and Iran regard each other as arch-enemies and for years have exchanged accusations over sabotage operations and cyberattacks.