Israel’s government approved on Sunday a proposal by the prime minister authorizing the director of the Tekuma (“Revival”) Authority, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Moshe Edri, to extend the temporary housing of residents evacuated from their homes in the “Gaza Envelope.”
The proposal extends their state-funded stay until Aug. 15. The decision was made in consideration of the ongoing hostilities.
“On October 7, the residents of the area were evacuated to temporary quarters in hotels, sheltered housing, apartments and additional absorption facilities,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The Tekuma Authority has overseen the return of many residents to their homes or intermediate dwellings. “Approximately 70% of the residents of the area have returned to their homes in recent months,” the PMO said.
On April 17, the Israeli government unveiled a five-year 19 billion shekel (~$5 billion) strategic plan to “rebuild the communities in the western Negev.”
“We will invest in housing, infrastructure, education, employment, health and more,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
“The Hamas terrorists sought to uproot us. We will uproot them and deepen our roots. We will build the Land of Israel and safeguard our state,” he added.
Edri said, “The plan is spread over the next five years; already in the coming years, we will start to see the rebuilding, the rehabilitation, the growth and the prosperity we intend.”