Full Breakdown
Education Minister Yoav Kisch Addresses School Reopening Amid Ongoing Conflict
3/12/2026, 7:58:27 PM
Current Status of School Operations
Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced that schools in certain southern communities of Israel may reopen as early as Monday, contingent on a security assessment from the Home Front Command scheduled for Saturday night. However, schools in northern Israel and the densely populated Tel Aviv area, known as Gush Dan, will remain closed due to ongoing threats from Iranian missile strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire. Kisch emphasized that the decision to reopen schools requires at least 24 hours of preparation time for local authorities and educational staff.
Background of the School Closures
The nationwide school closures were implemented nearly two weeks ago in response to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, which began with US-Israeli military actions on February 28. The closures included daycares and kindergartens, shifting all educational activities to a remote learning format. Kisch stated that the safety of students is the primary concern, and the reopening of schools will be based on geographical risk assessments and the availability of adequate shelter.
Plans for Partial Reopening
Kisch outlined a plan for a phased reopening of schools in areas designated as "yellow," indicating lower risk. This plan includes the reopening of daycares, special education, and grades 1, 2, 11, and 12, provided that the schools have appropriate shelters. As of now, no areas have been classified as yellow, and Kisch noted that the next assessment will determine the feasibility of reopening.
Local Authority Involvement
Local authorities, including those in Jerusalem, Maale Adumim in the West Bank, and communities along the Gaza border, have expressed interest in resuming in-person classes. Kisch has indicated that these areas have experienced fewer attacks compared to the Tel Aviv region and northern Israel.
Criticism and Opposition
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized Kisch for his handling of the reopening plans, suggesting that the minister should focus on his responsibilities rather than engaging in social media disputes. Lapid accused Kisch of prematurely announcing a reopening outline without proper consultation with educational stakeholders, which led to the eventual cancellation of the plan. Kisch defended his actions, asserting that he had collaborated with relevant groups in formulating the reopening strategy.
Official Statements
Kisch reiterated that the education system's reopening will prioritize student safety over economic considerations. He acknowledged the challenges faced by parents returning to work while schools remain closed but maintained that the safety of children is paramount. The Education Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the remote learning framework based on security developments.
What's Next
The upcoming security assessment on Saturday night will be critical in determining the status of schools for the following week. Kisch has expressed hope that conditions will improve, allowing for a safe return to in-person learning in designated areas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For the education system to open on Sunday, prior guidance is needed to allow the system to prepare, at least 24 hours in advance,” — Yoav Kisch, Education Minister
- “The entirety of the North and Gush Dan areas under threat will not open, and there will be no studies except for remote learning.” — Yoav Kisch, Education Minister
- “I hear [US President Donald] Trump speaking about it, and it’s clearly a complex war.” — Yoav Kisch, Education Minister
- “It cannot be that during wartime, when the public is being asked to show unity and resilience, and when the opposition has fully mobilized for the war effort, the government wants to advance in the Knesset all the laws that divide and tear Israeli society apart,” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader
