Israel is preparing to reopen schools and preschools on Sunday with a phased system of small groups, after the Home Front Command advised that learning can resume across the country based on the regional threat levels.

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu accepted the Education Ministry’s proposal for a gradual return using capsule groupings, rejecting an alternative plan by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that would have placed teachers on leave and required them to make up the days later in the summer.

The Education Ministry stated: “The outline of the Minister of Education allows for a gradual return of the education system to in-person activity after the Passover holiday, while maintaining student safety and strengthening the educational and emotional response. Implementation of the plan for this coming Sunday will be subject to a situational assessment by the Home Front Command to be held at the conclusion of the holiday.”

At a meeting held Monday under Netanyahu’s leadership, officials approved the phased return beginning Sunday, pending final authorization from the Home Front Command. In the meantime, existing safety restrictions remain in place until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Oren Ozen, chairman of the National Parents Leadership Council, expressed support for the move, saying: “We believe that returning children to educational frameworks, where it can be done safely, is a correct and necessary step. The education system is a central anchor for both children and parents, and returning to it provides stability, routine, and emotional support during a complex period. At the same time, it is important to maintain flexibility and understand that there are families who are still concerned, and therefore tailored solutions must also be allowed for them.”

During a meeting earlier in the day between parent representatives and education officials, it was emphasized that wherever conditions allow, schools and kindergartens should reopen fully without splitting students into smaller groups, provided there is proper access to protected areas within required timeframes.

Parents also called for accommodations for families choosing to keep children at home, including protections against absences, continued academic and emotional support, and financial safeguards for parents, recognizing that many are still dealing with ongoing concerns.

According to the Home Front Command, reopening will be based on threat levels in each region. In areas marked orange on the national map—including cities such as Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Givatayim, Cholon, Bat Yam, Rishon Letzion, Be’er Sheva, Dimona, Arad, and northern communities—classes will be permitted only within protected spaces. In areas marked yellow, studies may take place near protected spaces.