Netanyahu, Kisch, and Smotrich approve NIS 1.1 billion budget, detail AI-focused summer school strategy

The initiative addresses summer learning programs to counter the academic and emotional effects of Operation Roaring Lion, resulting in extensive school closures nationwide.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Education Minister Yoav Kisch, unveiled a nationwide education strategy on Wednesday. It includes NIS 1.1 billion for this year's summer programs, as verified by the Government Press Office.

This effort aims to tackle the educational and psychological challenges stemming from Operation Roaring Lion. The ongoing conflict has forced school closures countrywide, creating substantial learning deficits for students.

"Following a particularly tough year, this represents a strong national pledge to Israel's children," Kisch emphasized.

The unprecedented NIS 1.1 billion funding incorporates an additional NIS 600 million from the Finance Ministry added to the current summer programs allocation.

The comprehensive plan spans preschool through ninth grade, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities, artificial intelligence training, and psychosocial assistance.

Programs structured by age groups for tailored assistance

Kindergarten to third grade will feature summer sessions extending throughout July, partly to support parental childcare needs.

For fourth through sixth graders, the new "Summer Plus" track provides small-group academic support in core areas like language, mathematics, and English. It also builds essential learning abilities and introduces AI fundamentals.

Seventh to ninth graders will participate in a "Summer Prep" program from June 21 to 30. It emphasizes AI skills, mathematics, English, STEM projects, and intensive boot camp sessions.

"This summer, we will launch targeted programs for children from kindergarten to ninth grade. We will equip them with AI expertise, a field transforming the world," Netanyahu stated.

"I envision Israeli students leading in tools like ChatGPT and Claude, excelling in various domains before their final exams. Naturally, we will help bridge the learning gaps from the war."

Kisch added that "40 schools are currently testing AI integration. We are refining the approach for nationwide implementation."

On prioritizing AI, Netanyahu remarked, "The future of every Israeli child is tied to artificial intelligence."

"We will prepare them for AI's global impact within these programs."

Beyond recovery, this investment positions Israel competitively in high-tech innovation. Incorporating platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude aligns the summer effort with national AI priorities.

"As Finance Minister, I collaborated with the Education Minister to prioritize academic enhancement and AI adoption," Smotrich noted.

"It enables parents to resume work after a difficult period, while advancing key subjects."

"A key focus - which I see as a national priority - is embedding AI from upper grades onward. This program will serve as our AI learning pilot," he concluded.