School returns in parts of Israel after more than two weeks off due to war

Students are returning to school in some areas of Israel after a break of more than two weeks due to the war with Iran.

Schools closed beginning on March 1, following the beginning of the war the previous day. Government regulations prohibited schools from opening throughout the country during the subsequent two weeks due to ongoing missile and drone fire from Iran and Hezbollah, even as many workplaces have reopened.

Beginning today, however, schools in areas deemed at lower risk from missile fire have begun welcoming children back. Schools in those areas, marked “yellow” according to a government color-coding system, are allowed to open provided they have protected areas where students can shelter during missile fire.

The areas where schools may reopen include the Beit She’an Valley in the north, the Dead Sea area, several areas of southern Israel including the Gaza border region, and schools in West Bank settlements. Schools are set to remain open until the Passover break begins next week.

Schools remain closed in major cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa. The government has faced criticism for reopening workplaces while keeping schools closed.

Some municipalities in areas where reopening is permitted have opted to keep schools closed due to safety concerns.