The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) has closed its trading floor and will be operating in “emergency mode” after the country’s conflict with Iran kicked off late last week.

Only essential services will take place, the IDE said Saturday in a Hebrew statement on its website.

The bourse management offices, post office, import and export room, diamond controller’s office, maintenance office, restaurants, cafés and bank branches inside the exchange will shut until further notice.

Entrance to the bourse complex in the city of Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, will only be possible via the Shimshon building, the IDE said. Other entrances will be closed, as will the Maccabi and Yahalom parking lots and the room for issuing bourse access tags.

The safety deposit room in the Shimshon building will operate only until 2 p.m. for the sole purpose of depositing goods. “We recommend that companies and members transfer [their] goods to the secure safe room in the Shimshon building for optimal protection,” the IDE said.

In a note on Friday, the IDE reminded members that most insurance does not cover damage caused by war or terrorist attacks. It advised them to check their policies and the possibility of filing for compensation under property-tax laws.

The IDE will continue to monitor developments and update its guidelines accordingly, it said.

Israel launched aerial attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites and military infrastructure early on Friday morning. Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel, some of which have hit Ramat Gan. The Home Front Command, which is responsible for civil protection, has banned nonessential gatherings across the country.

Courtesy: Rapaport