Israel will lift its “special situation” designation in the country’s south on Tuesday morning, ending a state of emergency that has been in place since Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
By Nathan Morley
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Monday he accepted the military’s recommendation to lift the “special situation” designation, which grants authorities expanded powers during security emergencies, for the southern part of the country.
The designation had remained in effect in areas bordering Gaza following the attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 hostages.
A “special situation” on the home front is declared when there is a high likelihood of attacks on civilians.
Katz said the decision reflects a new security reality achieved through “determined and powerful operations” against Hamas over the past two years.
He added that Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and demilitarizing Gaza.
Separately, King Abdullah of Jordan said his country would not send forces into Gaza under the Trump administration’s ceasefire plan, citing political sensitivities and domestic demographics.
“We are too close politically,” the king said, noting that more than half of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian descent.
Jordan has taken in 2.3 million Palestinian refugees over decades — the largest number in the region.
The king’s remarks underscore broader concerns among U.S. allies about being drawn into a prolonged conflict between Hamas and Israel, or between Hamas and rival Palestinian factions.
According to the United Nations, peace enforcement involves coercive measures, including military force, while peacekeeping requires the consent of all parties and limits force to self-defense and mandate protection.
Under President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, Arab states and international partners are expected to deploy stabilization forces to train and support vetted Palestinian police in Gaza.
The plan also calls for consultation with Jordan and Egypt, which have extensive experience in regional security.
Hamas, however, has not disarmed and continues to mobilize fighters to reassert control over parts of Gaza.
