Israel lifts restriction on normal activities after Iranian retaliatory attack

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army said early Monday that it lifted the restrictions imposed on gatherings, and resumed educational activities, after Saturday's unprecedented retaliatory attack by Iran on the country.

"IDF (army) decided to lift the Home Front Command restrictions it had put in place shortly before last night’s Iranian missile and drone strike," The Times of Israel quoted a military statement as saying.

This decision was made despite the army said on Sunday evening that these measures, which were implemented on Saturday, would remain in effect until Monday evening.

The Israeli military had previously announced the closure of schools nationwide due to the potential threat of attack from Iran.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.

The attack, which killed seven Iranian military officials, including a senior IRGC commander, drew sharp reactions from the Iranian government officials, who vowed a "decisive response."

According to some unconfirmed reports, the IRGC fired more than 300 drones and missiles in an attack that lasted several hours, many of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems.

However, IRGC commander Gen. Hossein Salami told reporters in Tehran on Sunday morning that the operation was successful more than they had expected.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Israel may decide to retaliate, which experts believe could trigger an all-out regional war.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio and Esra Tekin in Istanbul