Northern Israeli authorities shut schools as tensions escalate

Local authorities in northern Israel have announced that schools will remain closed until further notice as tensions along the Lebanese border escalate, according to The Times of Israel.

The move was reportedly taken independently by local officials rather than at the direction of the military.

Israel’s Home Front Command also said areas including Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz and Safsufa would remain under partial activity restrictions, limiting gatherings to 50 people outdoors and 200 indoors.

The measures come after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to expand operations in Lebanon, declaring that Israel remains “at war” with Hezbollah despite a US-brokered ceasefire.

Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent days amid continuing cross-border hostilities.