Posted on 01/01/24
Today (Monday, 1 January 2024), Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant held an operational situation assessment regarding the return of Israeli citizens to their homes in southern Israel.
The briefing was attended by the Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, General Director of the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Head of the Homefront Command Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, the Chief of Staff of the National Reconstruction Administration Agay Yehezkel, Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Regional Council Shay Hajaj, Head of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Itamar Revivo, Acting Head of the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council and additional representatives from various governmental authorities.
Prior to the situation assessment, Minister Gallant toured the Kibbutz and discussed the security and social measures required for the return of its residents. The Minister also held a discussion with members of the community’s security team.
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant:
“I have just returned from the Gaza Strip, where I met our troops. As they fight, they face our enemy [Hamas] and behind them are Israel’s southern communities. They know their mission and their performance is excellent, so that here, in our southern communities, life will return to its course.”
“In accordance with the recommendations given by the IDF and the defense establishment, we will soon be able to return [displaced] communities home, in areas within a range of four to seven kilometers north of the Gaza strip.”
“The National Reconstruction Administration (Tekuma) will also address education, among other issues, so that a gradual return will be made possible, starting with the first phase of communities within 7 kilometers, and then later moving on to all the remaining communities.”