Local government leaders from across Israel said Thursday evening that schools are likely to remain closed for another week due to the ongoing security situation.

Approximately 150 heads of municipal and regional authorities participated in a special situation assessment meeting with Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shay Kalper to discuss the security developments and their impact on the possible reopening of the education system.

During the meeting, officials discussed coordination between the Home Front Command and local authorities, public guidance for residents, and the possibility of a gradual return to normal operations in educational institutions.

Chaim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities, said the current assessment indicates that schools in most parts of the country will probably not reopen next week. He explained that if the Home Front Command’s situation assessment scheduled for Saturday night leads to a decision to exempt certain areas, an official announcement will be issued.

Bibas stressed that the primary responsibility of local leaders is to ensure the safety of residents and children. He said municipalities are prepared to reopen schools as soon as the Home Front Command determines that it is safe to do so, but they will not take any steps that could endanger students.

Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shay Kalper praised the efforts of local authorities, saying their cooperation with the military plays a key role in maintaining national resilience.

Kalper added that the security situation is being reviewed continuously and that only when it is deemed safe will officials consider a gradual and region-specific reopening of the education system.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the local officials said that based on the current assessment, classes are not expected to resume next week, though it is possible that several communities could be exempted depending on the updated evaluation expected on Motzoei Shabbos.

{Matzav.com}