Government continues to neglect us: Leaders of Gaza border community protest against funding cuts in Jerusalem

Officials from communities along the Gaza border have issued a warning that proposed government budget cuts will significantly undermine efforts to rebuild and advance the region after the events of October 7.

On Thursday, municipal council heads from the Gaza border communities staged a blockade at the Prime Ministers Office, demonstrating against the governments plan to slash financial support designated for post-October 7 reconstruction.

It is unthinkable that instead of supporting Gaza border communities, the government is abandoning them, the council leaders declared. We will not stand by while this happens. Since October 7, we have been left without sufficient backing.

They stressed that the funding is critical for construction, infrastructure, healthcare, recreational facilities, and community resilience. We cannot afford to forfeit these resources, they added.

Earlier on the same day, Gaza border municipal leaders set up a protest tent outside the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, voicing concern over plans to cut roughly 20% of the Tekuma Directorates budget, estimated at NIS 300 million, on top of previous reductions. The Tekuma Directorate was created after October 7 to spearhead the rehabilitation and development of the area and its residents.

The officials emphasized that reducing the budget would directly impede efforts to improve living conditions in Gaza border communities and would erode public trust.

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, Shaar HaNegev Regional Council Head Uri Epstein, Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Head Itamar Revivo, Eshkol Regional Council Head Michal Uziyahu, and Sdot Negev Regional Council Head Tamir Idan highlighted that Tekumas budget is unique and should be treated as an exception. These funds were legislated and promised; cutting them threatens the ability of residents to continue living here.

Author: Caleb Jennings