The heads of two Israeli regional councils bordering Gaza are demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly commit that Israel will not permit Gaza reconstruction or further IDF withdrawals until Hamas has been completely disarmed and stripped of its ability to rule.
Uri Epstein, head of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, and Michal Uziyahu, head of the Eshkol Regional Council, sent the demand ahead of Sunday evening’s security cabinet meeting, according to Channel 14.
“We will not accept a return to a reality where a terror organization builds strength beyond the fence, and our residents are asked to rely on assessments about its intentions,” the council heads wrote. “The commitment to changing the security reality must be realized on the ground.”
Their letter follows growing opposition to plans being advanced by President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
AFSI Insight
AFSI strongly supports the Gaza border leaders’ demand: no reconstruction, no IDF withdrawal, and no return to the pre-October 7 status quo until Hamas is completely dismantled. Israel cannot trade temporary promises for the security of its citizens. Hamas must be stripped of its weapons, terror infrastructure, leadership, and ability to govern. The lesson of October 7 is clear: Israel’s security must come first, and there can be no “peace” while Hamas remains in power.