Education minister insists studies will begin as planned on September 1, says those who claim otherwise are creating 'unnecessary panic'; virus death toll rises to 606

Teacher shortage long predated the pandemic, but the issue has been exacerbated by the need to reduce the number of pupils gathered at any one time

Yoav Gallant announces details of studies plan, acknowledges 'there will be difficulties'; declares large investment in remote learning

Kindergartens, younger grades to study as usual; grades 3-4 to divide into capsules of no more than 18; older students to mostly distance learn when year opens September 1

Yoav Gallant tweets temporary funding will pay for performances, after outrage over further loss of livelihood for performers as well as over schoolkids' ending access to the arts

NIS 4.2 billion program will see kindergartens, grades 1-2 hold regular studies; grades 3-4 with classes divided into capsules; higher grades mostly to have distance learning

Health officials will reportedly propose classes with just 18 students, but keep kindergartens at full capacity in light of data showing lower infection rates among young kids

Yoav Gallant says efforts are being made to ensure that every student in the country can distance learn if necessary, although ministry cannot yet commit to reaching that goal

High school students to mostly study remotely, only coming in for lessons once a week; proposal will cost NIS 2 billion to set up, another NIS 1 billion every month

Health Ministry reports 1,090 new infections in 24 hours, highest-yet daily number of new cases; police to launch enforcement campaign as majority of indoor congregating limited