IDF reduces emergency squads in Gaza border communities
The IDF plans to reduce emergency squads in communities located more than 4 km from the Gaza border, cancel reserve duty orders, and disband battalions established after October 7. Local council heads appealed to Defense Minister Israel Katz to halt the move, warning it undermines residents' security.
The IDF is expected to significantly reduce emergency response squads in Gaza border communities located more than four kilometers from the border. According to notices distributed to residents, reserve duty orders for fighters in these communities will be canceled, and only local security coordinators will remain mobilized. Additionally, battalions established after October 7 will be disbanded, including forces operating under local security coordinators to protect educational institutions and intervention forces. The fighters will be transferred to the responsibility of the regional brigade. Heads of the Sderot, Sha'ar HaNegev, Eshkol, Sdot Negev, and Hof Ashkelon regional councils, together with the "Atid La'Otef" movement, sent an urgent letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz demanding a halt to the reduction. They warn that reducing reserve days and manpower harms residents' security and contradicts commitments made after the war. The Otef Israel Forum stated that thinning out defenses must come together with removing the threat beyond the fence. It is currently unclear whether the directives have already taken effect.