Shacham Negev Council Head Tamir Idan Resigns, Citing Security Concerns

Tamir Idan, the head of the Shacham Negev Regional Council, announced his resignation on Monday, submitting his decision to the Ministry of Interior. Idan, who has served two and a half terms, has been a vocal critic of the government's security policies in the Gaza border region.

His resignation comes amid a recent surge in incendiary balloons launched from Gaza into Israeli territory. Idan stated, "We will not agree to any reality where the security of the residents of Shacham Negev and the residents of the Gaza envelope is once again tested. We will not accept a trickle of incidents or a gradual return to the security reality we knew in the past."

He emphasized the need for a strong and clear response to any attempt to harm the security of the Gaza envelope residents, stating that a price must be exacted to make it clear to the other side that Israel will not allow a return to a reality of threats from Gaza. Idan rejected a policy of containment, asserting that Gaza envelope residents need security certainty, not just promises, and that this is Israel's non-negotiable duty.

Prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks, Idan initiated the establishment of a new community in the Gaza border region. Following the murder of Ofir Liebstein, the head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, Idan decided to name the new settlement "Ofir" in his honor. The plan for the "Ofir" settlement, located east of Kibbutz Sa'ad, was approved for deposit by the Southern District Planning and Building Committee in June. The settlement is planned as a rural-community village, offering diverse housing options to encourage young families and foster a vibrant community.