According to the decision of the Home Front Command to switch to an "essential activity only" defense policy, the Ministry of Education announced that from Saturday and through Monday, March 2, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., all educational activities across the country will be canceled.
The decision was made due to the security situation and in preparation for an emergency.
The directive applies to all sectors without exception and includes all formal and informal activities, Purim events, trips, and special events. In schools where activities were ongoing when the guidelines came into effect, the Ministry is working to ensure an orderly and calm dispersal of students to their homes.
Regarding students in boarding schools, the instructions are being transmitted according to the emergency procedures. Boarding schools with proper protected spaces can allow students to stay, ensuring proximity to protected areas. In boarding schools without proper protected spaces, an orderly evacuation is being conducted according to the instructions.
All Israeli delegations currently abroad have been instructed to remain in their hotels until further notice, and departures of delegations from Israel have been halted immediately. The Travel Operations Room and the Department of Trips are operating according to security guidelines.
Due to the security situation, a psychological support hotline from the Psychological Counseling Service (Shefi) has been opened, offering assistance to students, parents, and educators. The hotline operates 24 hours a day at *6312. Additionally, there is a dedicated service for parents and students who are deaf or hard of hearing via the email Sherut@education.gov.il.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch responded, "The State of Israel is facing a complex security reality, and the education system is an integral part of our national resilience. We are operating in a systematic, responsible, and accurate process according to the instructions of the Home Front Command, with full commitment to the safety and security of Israeli students and educational staff."
"The education system has extensive experience in various emergency scenarios, as we saw in the 'Iron Swords' war and Operation 'Rising Lion.' We have learned from the events, drawn lessons, and integrated them in the field to ensure continuity, stability, and functionality even in challenging times. In addition, we have opened an emotional support hotline available 24/7 at *6312, and I urge anyone who feels the need - students, parents, and educators - not to hesitate to reach out to us."