Leaders from Sderot and surrounding councils warned that reducing security personnel or readiness along the Gaza border could come at a heavy cost for residents, according to a report on Saturday.
Leaders from Sderot and the surrounding Gaza Envelope communities warned on Saturday that any reduction in security personnel or readiness along the border could endanger residents. The caution comes a day after Defense Minister Israel Katz canceled planned cuts to community defense budgets, following an appeal by Sdot Negev council head Tamir Idan.
On Friday, July 31, at 08:38 Jerusalem, Katz confirmed the cancellation of the proposed reduction in community defense forces. Idan earlier stated that the cut had been canceled immediately after he contacted the Defense Minister's office, adding that the proposal suggested "someone confused, thought Hamas had surrendered." He also called for Hamas disarmament as a precondition for any negotiations, as The Zioneer reported.
The Zioneer has previously reported on broader warnings against defense budget cuts: on July 2, Moshe Davidovich, chairman of the Frontline Communities Forum, cautioned that cuts to emergency response squads and regional defense would harm northern communities; on July 4, security chiefs urged the government to avoid escalation in Gaza.
The Saturday warning underscores that leaders remain concerned about the security envelope's integrity even after the cancellation. No specific new reduction proposals have been detailed, but the leaders called for maintaining current readiness levels.
5 developments
- DevelopingSecurity chiefs urge government to avoid Gaza escalation — report
- DevelopingGaza Envelope residents warn: current roadmap a security danger, demand three red lines
- DevelopingAnalysis: Israeli policy in Gaza becoming dangerous as targeted killings cease, no alternative proposed
- DevelopingFrontline council chair warns budget cuts would undermine northern security
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