Sdot Negev council head: Katz canceled planned defense cut, demands Hamas disarmament

Tamir Idan, head of the Sdot Negev Regional Council, said he was informed by the Defense Minister's office that a planned cut to community defense forces in the Gaza Envelope had been canceled immediately after he raised the issue. Idan added that local council heads demand Hamas disarmament as a precondition for any negotiations, according to N12.

Tamir Idan, head of the Sdot Negev Regional Council in the Gaza Envelope, said Friday that the planned reduction in community defense forces for the region has been canceled. Idan told N12 that he immediately contacted the Defense Minister's office upon learning of the proposed cut and received word that it was reversed. "Someone probably got confused and thought Hamas had already handed over its weapons and raised a white flag," Idan said. He added that regional council heads stand united in demanding Hamas's disarmament as a prerequisite for any negotiations.

5 developments

1. 10:14 · 1 AugLatest

   Local leaders warn that security reductions still pose significant risks.

2. 10:27 · 31 Jul

   Defense Minister Katz officially confirms cancellation of community defense budget cuts.

3. 08:45 · 31 Jul

   Council heads demand Hamas disarmament as a precondition for any negotiations.

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