On Sunday evening, the Homefront Command of the Israel Defense Forces issued an order that all schools and educational institutions within a 40 KM (25 Mile) radius from the Gaza border are to remain closed on Monday. The proclamation officially cancels school for all students including nurseries, daycares, and all levels of schooling including post-secondary and yeshivot and seminaries in the Gaza periphery, the Merkaz Hanegev region, the  Lachish region and Southern Coastal Plains area.

Additionally, the proclamation stated that any public gathering must not exceed 300 people and that they should be held in closed shopping centers and other closed areas. Non-essential work is permitted only in workplaces where it is possible to reach protected areas in case of an emergency in the time allotted to each area by the air raid siren.

Rehovot, Beit Shemesh, and Beer Sheva fall just outside of this zone, whereas Gedera, Ashdod and Ashkelon asre inside the zone.

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(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)