IDF signals to us: Don't raise your children here - Nahal Oz residents furious over troop reduction

Residents of Kibbutz Nahal Oz are furious over the Southern Command's intention to reduce the defense force stationed in the kibbutz, following the discovery of an IDF drone in the kibbutz fields. The local security forum issued a harsh statement against the decision, and residents threaten to appeal to the Chief of Staff.

Residents of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, the closest community to the Gaza border, are furious over the Southern Command's intention to once again reduce the defense force stationed inside the kibbutz. The anger intensified after an IDF drone was found in the kibbutz fields, an event that raised concerns among residents. The kibbutz security forum issued a harsh statement: "This event, which comes alongside the army's decision to further reduce the kibbutz's defense force, only proves how much this decision does not match the security reality we face." Residents claim the army plans to cut the reserve days of security force soldiers, leading to fewer soldiers in the kibbutz. One resident said: "Whoever reduces the defense force in Nahal Oz, the closest community to Gaza, is essentially telling us: 'Don't raise your children here.'" According to him, the last time the army tried to reduce the force, the Chief of Staff intervened and reversed the decision. Residents threaten to appeal to the Chief of Staff again. About a month ago, the kibbutz's emergency and security teams sent a letter to Knesset members demanding a discussion on Hamas's strengthening, and warned about the reduction of defense force, incendiary kites, and lack of response to Hamas's strengthening.