Gaza Border Council Leaders Seek to Shield Tekuma Recovery Funding From Cuts

Leaders of Sderot and the Eshkol, Hof Ashkelon and Sdot Negev regional councils have asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to exempt Tekuma recovery funding from a proposed across-the-board budget cut. Their joint letter warns that reductions could harm education, welfare, health and resilience services in Gaza-border communities. Signatories include Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, Eshkol head Michal Uziyahu, Hof Ashkelon head Itamar Revivo and acting Sdot Negev head Asi Elmasi. The leaders acknowledge defense funding needs while arguing that recovery and security are complementary national commitments.