The Chief Rabbi of Be'er Sheva has announced that this Shabbat is being declared officially under the laws of "pikuach nefesh", that is, the laws governing saving a life, and even "safek l'pikuach" -- that is, even the possible doubt of necessity of saving a life.

Under this status, one is obligated under Jewish law to keep the radio on the silent channel, Rabbi Yoram Cohen said, and should there be a strike- one should not hesitate even for a moment to do whatever is needed to be safe, incl. phone calls, driving, etc.