Zero Hour: The Alert That Will Wake Israel Before the First Missile Flies

Following the lessons learned from Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, the IDF has shifted its communication strategy. A senior official recently confirmed that in the event of an attack on Iran, even one led by the U.S., the Israeli public will be notified instantly via their smartphones, regardless of whether missiles have been launched toward Israel yet.

The goal of this policy is to eliminate the element of surprise and prevent the panic that occurred during previous escalations.

The Home Front Command (HFC) intends to push a notification the moment a "State of Emergency" or an offensive operation begins. This is designed to give citizens time to gather family members, ensure they are near protected spaces, and prepare mentally before any sirens actually sound.

The official emphasized that the phone alert is not a substitute for the rocket siren. The phone notification says, "The campaign has begun; stay alert," while the siren means, "Impact imminent; enter shelter now."

Intelligence assessments suggest that even if Israel is not the primary attacker, Iran is likely to retaliate against Israeli territory. By updating the public at the start of the U.S./Israeli operation, the HFC aims to provide a 15–30 minute "buffer" that traditional radar-based sirens cannot provide.

The Home Front Command uses a "Personal Broadcast" system (Cell Broadcast technology) that does not require an app to be downloaded, though having the official HFC App is still highly recommended for location-based instructions.

The HFC has reiterated: Do not wait for a siren to prepare. If you receive a mobile notification regarding the start of an operation, you should immediately ensure your Mamad (reinforced room) is clear of clutter and your emergency kit (water, batteries, medicine) is accessible.