Katz said to reverse security funding cuts for Gaza border communities, after backlash |
Defense Minister Israel Katz reversed a decision to freeze funding for several security components in Gaza border communities, following widespread backlash from local authorities and security officials, Israeli television reported Tuesday.
The reported reversal came a day after the Home Front Command informed communities that, due to budget constraints, it would halt funding for items including security vehicle maintenance, fuel and perimeter fence lighting.
The original decision sparked outrage among local leaders and security coordinators, who warned the cuts would severely undermine the safety of frontline communities.
The Home Front Command said the existing budget would allow for “basic maintenance only.”
“This means that we are stopping everything — vehicles, fuel, lighting, and gates,” a police officer who spoke with Channel 12 news said of the reduced funding.
“Apparently, peace broke out, and they forgot to update us,” the officer was quoted as saying bitterly. “Someone here got totally confused. It wasn’t enough that we were abandoned once.”
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