Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the government is considering a partial reopening of schools as early as next week, nearly two weeks after nationwide closures due to the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. However, he stressed that reopening will not apply to northern Israel or the densely populated Tel Aviv area, which continue to face heavy rocket and missile fire.

Under a plan presented earlier this week, daycares, special education programs, and grades 1, 2, 11, and 12 could reopen in areas classified as lower risk, provided schools have adequate shelters. So far, no communities have received that designation, and most of the country is expected to remain at high risk, meaning schools will continue operating remotely.

Recent barrages from Iran and Hezbollah have targeted northern and central Israel, with some projectiles causing damage despite interceptions. A new security assessment is scheduled for Saturday night, and officials said that even if certain areas are cleared to reopen, schools would likely resume in-person classes no earlier than Monday to allow time for preparations. Several local authorities, including Jerusalem and communities near Gaza, have expressed interest in reopening if conditions permit.