Despite missile fire, Israel preparing to reopen schools in some areas this week

Against the backdrop of the war with Iran, Education Minister Yoav Kisch presents a plan to allow the gradual reopening of schools as early as this week, according to a statement from his spokesperson.

Kisch tells representatives of local authorities in a virtual meeting that the Education Ministry will allow schools to reopen based on their specific situations and needs. The minister clarifies that tomorrow, schools will remain closed or teach only remotely, but the new system might start operating later this week.

Under the new framework, the education system will be able to operate in areas classified as “yellow” (that is, at a lower level of risk) by the Home Front Command, provided that schools have access to shelters. Municipalities that are not classified as such will be able to request special permission from the Home Front Command to reopen.

At the moment, the entire country is classified as “orange,” with the Home Front Command set to reassess the current guidelines this evening.

“Each authority has different challenges and characteristics, and therefore requires tailored responses in the field of education,” Kisch says.

“The security and safety of students and education staff are our top priority,” he notes. “We will continue to maintain close coordination with the Home Front Command and with local authorities and will update the public on any developments.”

Under the plan, local authorities will be required to set up educational frameworks for the children of teachers and school staff if necessary. In addition, regarding special education schools, in the first phase, parents will need to bring their children to school, rather than rely on the transportation usually provided.