However, Education Ministry report shows portion of students infected is lower than the rest of the population, as nation readies for reopening of elementary schools

Head of mayors association says local authorities should be given greater power to to decide on reopening education system, a proposal reportedly rejected by the government

After ending Wednesday discussion undecided, coronavirus cabinet to debate plans for resuming classes for grades 1-4 next week, reopening workplaces that serve customers in person

About-face comes after last-minute requirement by Health Ministry for first and second grade students to learn in small groups, which schools hadn't prepared for

Study presented to ministers shows percentage of positive tests among children stands at 8%, a full 2% higher than with adults; indicates re-opening schools led to infection spike

Coronavirus czar also tells Knesset committee that Israel will soon shorten quarantine period from 14 to 12 days, says hospitals staying strong: 'We'll never be Italy'

Education officials reportedly unhappy with plans almost identical to those laid down at beginning of school year and which were blamed for contributing to spike in national cases

While politicians tussle and pontificate, their failure to pass a budget and appoint top officials leaves government agencies unable to tackle the worst fallout of the pandemic

It's a year of more informal education in the Israeli school system, with classes taught by teachers and tour guides at museums, parks and community centers

Class sizes will be smaller, older grades will learn from home; billions added to education budget to allow for new restrictions; high-infection areas may see delayed opening