Gaza Envelope Forum Warns Against Tkuma Directorate Budget Cuts
The HaBayit forum warned that a proposed government budget cut could slash 140 million shekels from the Tkuma Directorate, endangering the recovery of Gaza envelope communities.
Ahead of Sunday's cabinet session, where a cross-board budget cut for government ministries is set for a vote, the "HaBayit" forum has warned against a projected 140 million shekel reduction in the budget of the Tkuma Directorate. Representing 14 communities in the Gaza envelope hardest hit by the October 7 onslaught, the forum urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the finance minister to exempt the directorate from the cuts.
The forum warned that the budget reduction could severely delay the reconstruction of infrastructure, educational institutions, and affected communities. "The Tkuma Directorate is the most critical channel for restoring normal life, rebuilding communities, and restoring residents' trust in the state," the forum stated, emphasizing that the cuts would directly hamper mental health services and local economic recovery.
Criticizing the potential reduction in rehabilitation funds, the forum stressed that there is no such thing as half-rehabilitation. Members asserted that national security is measured not only by defense needs but also by the resilience of citizens on the front line, calling on the government to demonstrate moral and national responsibility by sparing the envelope's budget.
