Less than half of eligible students returned to classrooms as some Israeli schools reopened after two weeks of closure due to the war. According to Education Ministry data, 173,000 out of 365,000 students in lower-risk 'yellow' areas resumed in-person learning, representing 47 percent of those eligible.

Attendance varied by age group, with 51 percent of kindergarten children and 53 percent of elementary school students returning, compared to 37 percent of middle and high school students. Schools were permitted to reopen in areas considered at lower risk from missile fire, provided they have protected spaces for shelter.

Several municipalities, including Ashkelon, Dimona, and Ariel, chose not to reopen despite being classified as lower risk. Major cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa remain closed. Education Minister Yoav Kisch described the reopening as a gradual and responsible first step, adding that officials are working on a plan to allow special education frameworks to operate safely nationwide.