This past Saturday, a cluster bomb exploded near a kindergarten in Rishon Lezion, Israel, with seven additional locations affected by rocket fire from Iran. Colonel Avi Bar from the Home Front Command indicated that although the bomb exploded, the protected area of the kindergarten remained intact, implying that had there been students inside the shelter, they would have been safe. In addition to Rishon Lezion, local structures in nearby settlements and towns also sustained damage due to the attacks.

In light of this incident, local authorities have criticized the Home Front Command and the Ministry of Education for their decision to resume educational activities in other areas starting the following day. This includes plans to hold 'school holiday camps' in designated 'orange' municipalities, where regular schooling is not allowed. Rishon Lezion's mayor, Raz Kinstlich, expressed his opposition to this decision, stating that while he understands the desire to return to normalcy, it is currently unrealistic given the prevailing situation.

Mayor of Givatayim, Ran Konik, also voiced his discontent with the Ministry of Education in a post on social media, urging Education Minister Yoav Kish and his team to end the unnecessary discussion about reopening kindergartens in orange municipalities while the threat persists. Despite claims that all educational facilities in his city are protected, Konik reiterated his opposition to the return to classes under such circumstances, reflecting the broader concerns of local leaders regarding the safety of children in these challenging times.