2.6 million students return to school in Israel amid systemic challenges

The new school year in Israel has commenced with 2.6 million students returning to classrooms. This academic year begins amid significant structural challenges, most notably a persistent shortage of teachers. According to the Times of Israel, over 20,000 students have returned to schools in towns bordering Gaza, representing a 9% increase compared to September 2023. Meanwhile, police have been deployed to secure a school in Jerusalem that was targeted by Haredi extremists. Additionally, private schools in East Jerusalem have initiated a strike in protest against new restrictions imposed on teachers commuting from the West Bank.