All war restrictions were lifted on Friday, with activity expected to return to normal by Sunday evening, according to statements from the IDF, Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
After reviewing the security situation in the country, the Home Front Command determined that all war restrictions will be lifted nationwide, except for the northern border communities, the IDF said.
The towns along the Lebanese border were set to have their restrictions lifted on Saturday evening, according to the Home Front Command's latest guidelines.
Zohar announced the decisions in a joint statement with Katz, saying that sporting and music events were expected to resume normal activity.
“The public can now return to sports stadiums as usual; cultural events are resuming to full activity, including all performances and events planned across the country ahead of the Independence Day celebrations,” their social media post read.
Deciding to allow the public to resume normal activity comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Recent comments by US President Donald Trump, indicating a willingness by the US and Iran to sit down for additional rounds of negotiations in the near future, have also contributed to the Home Front Command’s revised instructions.
Independence Day ceremony to be livestreamed, not recorded as originally planned
Local media reported that, due to the lifting of restrictions, the official Independence Day candlelighting ceremony will be live-streamed rather than recorded as originally planned.
The government will also produce a recorded version in line with its security directives, but the plan is to broadcast the ceremony live with all the main guests in attendance.
A Ynet report said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend the ceremony, mainly because of the presence of Argentine President Javier Milei.
Milei, set to light a torch during the ceremony, will also be awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor during his upcoming visit, President Isaac Herzog’s office announced.
The medal is awarded to those who have made an exceptional contribution to Israel or humanity through their talent, service, or other means, the President’s Residence said.