Rebuilding the South of Israel: Billions Allocated to Restore Gaza Border Communities

In the wake of the devastating events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 1,200 lives and the abduction of 251 individuals, many who are still held captive, the Israeli government has undertaken a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative for the affected Gaza border communities. The Tekuma Directorate, established to oversee this task, has reported significant progress and substantial financial commitments aimed at restoring these communities.

Over the past year, the Tekuma Directorate has allocated approximately NIS 7 billion ($1.97 billion) towards the reconstruction and development of the southern border area. A significant portion of this funding, NIS 1.5 billion ($423 million), has been dedicated to physical reconstruction efforts. Notably, NIS 1.1 billion ($310 million) of this amount is earmarked for the ten communities that bore the brunt of the October 7 attack. The three most severely impacted kibbutzim have received focused support:

• Kibbutz Be’eri: Allocated approximately NIS 470 million ($132 million) for reconstruction efforts.
• Kibbutz Nir Oz: Designated to receive around NIS 230 million ($65 million).
• Kibbutz Kfar Aza: Set to benefit from NIS 200 million ($56 million) in rehabilitation funds.

In addition to these allocations, an extra NIS 200 million has been budgeted from a five-year plan totaling NIS 1.4 billion ($395 million). These funds are intended to enhance infrastructure, bolster community defense mechanisms, and upgrade public facilities, thereby ensuring a comprehensive approach to rebuilding.

As of December 2024, approximately 83% of the 64,000 residents from the affected areas have returned to their homes, reflecting a significant milestone in the resettlement process. However, 13 communities remain in temporary accommodations due to ongoing security concerns or extensive infrastructural damage. Reconstruction efforts are actively underway, with essential projects expected to reach completion by the end of the current year.

Specific timelines have been established for the return of residents to their communities:

• Kerem Shalom and Re’im: Residents are anticipated to return by the end of March.
• Nirim: Projected resettlement by the end of April.
• Nahal Oz: Residents expected to return by the end of July.

Despite the substantial progress, several challenges persist. The allocation of NIS 5 billion, intended for new social and economic projects to revitalize the region, remains on hold. This delay is due to ongoing deliberations regarding the distribution of funds, specifically whether to limit them to communities within seven kilometers of the Gaza border or to extend support to a broader area. The resolution of this matter is crucial for the comprehensive development and long-term sustainability of the region.

The Tekuma Directorate continues to collaborate closely with local authorities, community leaders, and residents to address these challenges. The collective goal is to rebuild not only the physical infrastructure but also to restore the social fabric and sense of security that are essential for thriving communities.