Nearly two weeks into nationwide school closures stemming from the conflict between the US-Israeli war with Iran, Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated Thursday that his ministry is considering a partial reopening of schools as early as next week. However, this plan will not include northern Israel or the Tel Aviv area.
Partial Reopening Plan
Kisch made these remarks during a situational assessment in Nahariya. The update followed a night of heavy fire targeting both northern and central Israel from Iran and Hezbollah, a Lebanese terror proxy.
“The topic of a partial opening in those areas is not at all relevant at the moment,” Kisch said, specifically referencing metropolitan Tel Aviv and the north.
On Monday, Kisch presented a plan to reopen daycares, special education programs and grades 1, 2, 11, and 12 in areas designated “yellow,” indicating a lower risk of attack. This reopening is contingent on schools having shelters.
Currently, no areas have been designated as “yellow.” A further assessment is scheduled for Saturday night, preceding the start of the school week on Sunday morning.
Iran has launched missile volleys toward Israel in response to US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28. Simultaneously, Hezbollah has been firing rockets into northern Israeli communities, reaching as far as the center of the country.
While most rockets and missiles were intercepted, some caused damage. Attacks continued into Thursday morning, with reports of suspected drone infiltration and rocket alerts in Nahariya, Western Galilee communities, Acre, and Haifa’s northern suburbs.
Iran has also targeted countries across the Middle East.
According to a statement from the minister’s spokesperson, most of the country is expected to remain at high risk, with schools continuing to operate remotely. Once an area is designated “yellow,” 24 hours will be needed to prepare educational sites before schools can reopen.
Kisch has requested the Home Front Command expedite its assessment to potentially allow schools to reopen on Sunday. He stated, “If the [IDF] directive is received only on Saturday night, the opening of educational institutions in approved areas will be possible on Monday.”
Jerusalem, Maale Adumim in the West Bank, and Gaza border communities have expressed interest in reopening under Kisch’s plan, as they have experienced fewer attacks than Tel Aviv (Gush Dan) or the north.
Kisch affirmed on Tuesday that schools will continue distance learning to maintain teacher-student connections as long as in-person activities remain impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently excluded from the potential reopening plan?
Northern Israel and the Tel Aviv area are not included in the current plan for a partial reopening of schools.
What criteria must be met for schools to reopen?
Schools must be located in areas designated “yellow” by the Home Front Command and have shelters available.
When is the next assessment of the security situation?
The next assessment is scheduled for Saturday night.
As the security situation evolves, what impact will the Home Front Command’s assessment have on the possibility of resuming in-person learning for students across Israel?
