Taking shelter in Sderot (file)
Taking shelter in Sderot (file)Israel news photo: Flash 90

The Home Front Command has updated its guidelines for Israelis within rocket range on Friday, in light of increasing rocket fire from Hamas in Gaza and anticipated escalation due to the IDF ground offensive. 

Within 40 kilometers of Gaza, including the Gaza belt, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Be'er Sheva, and the surrounding communities, all meetings or gatherings of 300 people or more have been banned - whether indoors or outdoors. This includes shopping centers and other entertainment venues.

All schools and camps have been suspended until further notice. Workplaces, however, have remained open without restrictions - except for agricultural or other outdoor projects, which have been closed in all areas within 3 kilometers of the Sha'ar HaNegev Region, as per the Regional Council. 

Between 40-80 kilometers from Gaza, including the Shefela (Coastal region), Gush Dan (Tel Aviv and Central Israel), the Jerusalem area, Judea, Samaria, Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, the Jordan Valley, Emek Haefer, and all areas of the Negev more than 40 km from Gaza, the ban on large gatherings applies only to 1,000 people or more, and only then outdoors. There are no restrictions on gatherings in closed spaces; work, school, and other venues remain open. 

Beyond 80 kilometers from Gaza - including Eilat, the Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the northern Shomron, businesses and other activities may proceed as usual. 

Every Israeli is advised to enter bomb shelters or safe rooms immediately upon hearing sirens in every region, within the timeframe allotted to their geographic area. 

An updated database of instructions and timeframes by region may be found here