Israel Declares State of War for the First Time in 50 Years
Israel's military-political cabinet has approved the implementation of Article 40 Aleph, signifying an official declaration of war, as reported by the press service of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
"The military-political cabinet last night approved a state of war and, accordingly, the conduct of significant military operations. This is in accordance with Article 40 of the Basic Law: The Government. The war, imposed on the State of Israel due to the deadly terrorist attack from the Gaza Strip, began on October 7, 2023, at 06:00," the press service stated.
Israel's Defense Forces now have full freedom of action, including in planning operations without political consultations.
The activation of Article 40 Aleph is a rare occurrence and has not been used in 50 years, last happening during the "Yom Kippur War" when Israel was attacked by a coalition of Arab states, including Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan.
According to Israel's state-owned broadcaster, Kan, the activation of this article will allow the government to issue orders "for the conduct of significant military operations likely to lead to a war" and modify the compensation amounts paid to victims by the state.
The ministers have also approved extraordinary rules that permit court hearings to take place without the presence of detainees, a decision made due to challenges with police personnel and the transportation of detainees.
Furthermore, it is expected that the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee will hold special hearings tomorrow morning to approve the mobilization of reserves.
As previously reported by The Gaze, on the morning of October 7, scores of armed Palestinian terrorists from Gaza infiltrated Israel following a two-hour mass rocket barrage. They opened fire on civilians from vehicles, prompting the Israel Defense Forces to respond with an attack on the Gaza Strip and the mobilization of reserve battalions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country is entering a "long and difficult war."
Official figures indicate that the number of casualties resulting from the mass Hamas attack on Israeli communities near Gaza has exceeded 600 people.