President Herzog in Nir Oz: "We must not be complacent regarding threats in the Gaza envelope"
President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal inaugurated the "Bina ba-Lev" center in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Addressing the recent launch of kites from Gaza, the President emphasized that the security of border residents must be the cornerstone of any future arrangement.
President of the State Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal participated today, Monday, in the inauguration ceremony of the "Bina ba-Lev" center in Kibbutz Nir Oz. During the ceremony, the President addressed the recent launching of kites from Gaza into the surrounding Israeli communities over the past week.
The "Bina ba-Lev" center was established on the ruins of the kibbutz's kindergartens that were burned on October 7. The center serves as a community initiative for the rehabilitation of the kibbutz, connecting high-tech, industry, and human capital to foster renewed activity.
"There is land upon which one stands with awe. Such is the land of Nir Oz, which experienced the disaster of October 7 in all its intensity. I understand well why every kite in the sky of the Gaza envelope causes anxiety today. After October 7, the State of Israel must not be complacent about any sign or concern of the residents, but it is also forbidden to let any kite return the region to the reality of October 6. The State of Israel is here, it sees, it is alert, and it protects," said President Herzog.
Herzog also referred to his recent meeting with Jared Kushner, advisor and son-in-law of President Donald Trump:
"I told him last week that I am grateful for their efforts, but let it be clear: the security of the residents of the Gaza envelope must stand at the heart of any arrangement concerning the future of Gaza. The residents of Nir Oz should no longer have to stand in front of the fence and ask themselves what the meaning of everything flying in the sky is. This is the responsibility of the state: to see, to prevent, and to protect."
Addressing the kibbutz members, Herzog recalled the Hanukkiah from Nir Oz that stood at the President's Residence in Jerusalem in December 2023. "Nir Oz will return to be a symbol of revival and construction. The place that experienced hell will return to be a paradise," he stated.
"The center we are inaugurating here today is not just another building. Two kindergartens, which absorbed the evil in all its intensity on that day, are rising today to life as a study house dedicated to education, creation, and growth for the future generation of the Western Negev."
