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.

Editorial Commentary: The Urgency of Supporting Gaza Border Communities

As someone closely following developments along the Gaza border, it is clear that proposed government budget cuts pose a direct threat to post-October 7 reconstruction efforts. The planned reduction of roughly 20% of the Tekuma Directorate’s budget, amounting to NIS 300 million, comes at a critical time when these communities are still recovering from recent trauma and destruction.

Municipal leaders have repeatedly emphasized that the funds are essential for construction, infrastructure, healthcare, and community services. Cutting these allocations risks not only halting ongoing projects but also undermining public trust in governmental support. The Tekuma Directorate was specifically established to coordinate rehabilitation and development in the affected areas, and its budget is legally legislated and unique.

The protests at both the Prime Minister’s Office and the Finance Ministry reflect the seriousness of the issue. Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi and other council heads have rightly stated that reducing these funds would jeopardize residents’ ability to remain in their communities and hinder long-term recovery.

In conclusion, any budgetary decision affecting the Tekuma Directorate should carefully consider the human and social costs. Supporting Gaza border communities is not optional—it is a necessary step to maintain stability, resilience, and hope for the region’s future.

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• 'Gov't continues to abandon us': Gaza border community heads protest funding cuts in Jerusalem