Israeli Cabinet Declares ‘Special Situation’ in Sderot

Yuval Azoulay (Haaretz) and The Associated Press

December 14, 2007

The cabinet declared a "special situation" in Sderot and in other communities bordering the Gaza Strip on Friday, following Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s proposal to do so the day before. …

Barak decided on Thursday evening to declare a "special situation" in Sderot, due to constant Qassam rocket attacks from the coastal territory. …

The declaration essentially transfers emergency authority from the state to the army. Therefore, the IDF Southern Command can determine whether or not schools will remain open, and the Home Front can order factories containing dangerous materials to close their doors.

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