Israel lifted domestic restrictions, including shelter-in-place orders and school closures, on June 23, signaling a cautious de-escalation in its conflict with Iran following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the move after Iran paused missile strikes, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu crediting U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention.
The restrictions, imposed on June 12 after Iran’s missile attacks killed 24 Israelis, disrupted daily life, closing 500 schools and limiting public gatherings. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar on June 23, followed U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and Israel’s raids on Tehran’s suburbs. The IDF reduced alert levels but maintained 10,000 troops on the northern border, citing Iran’s 40 post-truce missiles, including a Beersheba strike killing five. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi agreed to pause attacks if Israel complied.
The lifting of restrictions has boosted Israel’s economy, with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange rising 3%. Public relief is tempered by fears of renewed hostilities, with 50,000 displaced since June 12. Netanyahu’s coalition faces pressure from opposition leader Yair Lapid to pursue diplomacy.