Israeli cities open bomb shelters from Eilat to Karmiel, prepare for possible escalation with Iran

The Israeli cities of Ramat Gan, Eilat, and Karmiel opened public bomb shelters on Thursday due to an increased, non-negligible risk of Iranian missile fire over the weekend, according to municipal representatives. This decision was made despite the IDF stating no directive had been received to open shelters and no changes to Home Front Command guidelines. Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen stated, “A situation assessment found that the risk of missile fire from Iran over the weekend has increased and is no longer negligible.” He urged residential building committees to prepare communal shelters. Karmiel Mayor Moshe Kuninski reassured residents, stating, “The opening of the shelters is only a step in preparation and responsibility.” The Supreme Hospitalization Authority also met to ensure health system preparedness, though no special instructions were issued to the public.