Gaza envelope authority heads are furious: "No to the reduction of forces" | First publication
"The lessons of October 7 are not learned through statements - but by maintaining the first line of defense of the Gaza envelope communities," they said. According to them, the move directly harms the security of the residents and stands in contradiction to the commitment given that until the end of the year, no reduction in the defense forces in the Gaza envelope communities would be carried out.
Heads of local authorities in the south expressed anger today, Thursday, regarding the intention to reduce the forces and reserve duty days of fighters in the Gaza envelope.
"The security of the Gaza envelope residents is not a place for cuts. The lessons of October 7 are not learned through statements - but by maintaining the first line of defense of the Gaza envelope communities," they said.
The heads of the Sderot, Sha'ar HaNegev, Eshkol, Sdot Negev, and Hof Ashkelon authorities, together with the 'Atid LaOtef' movement, sent an urgent letter this morning to the Minister of Defense, in which they argued that it is impossible to have a plan to reduce the reserve duty days of the standby squads. According to them, the move directly harms the security of the residents and stands in contradiction to the commitment given that until the end of the year, no reduction in the defense forces in the Gaza envelope communities would be carried out.
In the letter, the heads of the authorities and the 'Atid LaOtef' movement demand an immediate halt to any reduction or cut in the standby squads and security components, the holding of a dialogue and consultation with the heads of the authorities before any change in the civil defense system, and the assurance of long-term stability for the standby squads through permanent budgeting and preparation.
Alon Davidi, Mayor of Sderot: "The lessons of October 7 require us to strengthen the first line of defense of the Gaza envelope communities, not to weaken it. The standby squads are a vital security component that saves lives, and any damage to their competence or decision-making without dialogue with the authorities is a mistake that could cost dearly. The security of the Gaza envelope residents cannot be subject to cuts or unilateral decisions. We demand to stop the move, hold a real dialogue with the authorities, and ensure that every community has all the tools required to protect its residents at any moment."
Ohad Cohen, CEO of the 'Atid LaOtef' movement: "The central lesson of October 7 is that you do not weaken the first line of defense of the Gaza envelope communities. The standby squads and the security coordinators proved that they save lives, and therefore any reduction in manpower or their competence is a wrong and dangerous step. We call on the Minister of Defense to stop the move, stand by the commitments given to the Gaza envelope residents, and ensure that their security will not be subject to cut considerations."
