Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Education Minister Yoav Kisch have unveiled a significant educational initiative, allocating NIS 1.1 billion ($300 million USD) to enhance learning for students in grades K-9. This funding, which includes a NIS 600 million ($160 million USD) supplementary allocation, aims to address the educational disruptions caused by Operation Roaring Lion, which resulted in widespread school closures. The program will offer specialized summer programs that combine Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) education with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) literacy.

For younger students (kindergarten to 3rd grade), summer school will be extended throughout July, while a 'Summer Plus' program for 4th to 6th graders will provide academic reinforcement in small groups. The 7th to 9th grade initiative, termed the 'Summer Preparatory Program,' will focus on AI proficiency and core subjects like mathematics and English. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preparing students for the future, stating, 'I want the students of Israel to be the best at ChatGPT and Claude.' This strategic investment is positioned not only as a remedial measure but also as a means to maintain Israel's competitive edge in the global hi-tech sector.