Amid Iran tensions, IDF says it is on high alert but no change in guidelines to public

By Emanuel Fabian

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20 February 2026, 4:39 pm

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin issues a video statement, February 20, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

Amid the ongoing tensions with Iran, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reiterates that there are no still changes to the military’s guidelines for the Israeli public.

“We are monitoring regional developments and are aware of the public discourse regarding Iran,” Defrin says in a video statement.

“The IDF is on high alert in defense, our eyes are open in all directions, and our finger is on the trigger more than ever in response to any change in the operational reality,” he says.

“There is no change in the instructions. Please adhere only to the announcements of the IDF Spokesperson and the Home Front Command through official channels only,” Defrin adds.