JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL

The municipality of Beersheba in southern Israel decided on Friday to open public shelters in the city as a precautionary measure, despite the Israeli army’s claim that no changes have been made to Home Front Command guidelines, according to the local website Hadshot 24/7.

The outlet, which specializes in news from Beersheba, said the step comes amid assessments of possible escalation with Iran, following expectations of a potential US attack against Tehran.

The outlet reported that the decision was issued at the direction of Mayor Ruvik Danilovich as part of preparations for potential security developments, with an emphasis on raising readiness levels at vital facilities.

It added that the municipality is continuing to monitor security updates and is coordinating with relevant authorities.

Hadshot 24/7 described the opening of shelters as a precautionary step in anticipation of any emergency.

The development comes as the government of Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring the army not to publicly discuss the risks and consequences of any potential war with Iran, according to leaks recently published by Yedioth Ahronoth.

The Israeli army said Friday that it is “closely monitoring the situation in Iran” and remains prepared “to defend” the country, according to the same broadcaster.

The army spokesperson, Effy Defrin, said he is aware of “the sense of uncertainty and tension among the public in light of the regional developments,” adding that the Israeli army is “alert and ready to defend you.”

“There is no change in guidelines,” and if any changes occur, the public would be informed accordingly, he added.

His comments come as indirect negotiations between the US and Iran concluded Thursday, amid Israeli media assessments that Washington could carry out a strike against Tehran, though no official military decision has been announced by US authorities.

In recent weeks, the US has reinforced its military presence in the region and signaled the possibility of military action to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and curb “its regional allies.”

Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change and has warned it would respond to any military attack, even if limited, while insisting that sanctions relief must accompany any restrictions on its nuclear program.