Education Minister: Schools in Tel Aviv area, North to remain closed next week, others may reopen

March 13, 2026 - 04:11

The Education Minister has confirmed that schools in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and in northern Israel will not reopen next week, extending a shutdown that began nearly two weeks ago. This decision follows a situational assessment on the ground in the north.

However, a partial return to classrooms is being planned for other regions of the country. Schools in many areas outside the immediate conflict zones may be permitted to resume operations, potentially as soon as Sunday, provided they have adequate access to fortified spaces and bomb shelters.

The nationwide closure initially applied to all educational frameworks, including daycare centers and kindergartens. The move to a localized approach reflects the ongoing assessment of security risks. The minister emphasized that the safety of students and staff remains the absolute priority, and any reopenings will be conducted under strict safety guidelines. Parents are advised to await specific instructions from their local authorities and individual educational institutions regarding the exact status of classes.