Israel's Tkuma Administration to Close in 2028, New Support Plan Needed
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The Tkuma Administration, tasked with rehabilitating Gaza border communities, is slated to close at the end of 2028, necessitating a new government-approved support plan. Significant progress has been made in rebuilding and facilitating the return of residents to affected communities, with most having already returned or in the process of doing so. The administration has utilized a substantial portion of its budget for reconstruction and is now focusing on economic and demographic growth, while also providing extensive mental health and social support. A separate government team is addressing the needs of residents who cannot or will not return to their homes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Tkuma Administration will close at the end of 2028, requiring a new government plan for Gaza border communities.
- Six of ten severely damaged Gaza border communities have completed resident returns, with others in progress.
- Rebuilding efforts have seen 1.5 billion shekels invested in damaged structures, with more communities planning returns by 2028.
- The administration is focusing on economic growth and demographic expansion alongside reconstruction.
- Extensive mental health and social support services are being provided to residents.
- A government team is developing a plan for residents unable or unwilling to return.
The Tkuma Administration, responsible for rehabilitating Gaza border communities, is planning for its own closure at the end of 2028. Aviel Pansaforkar, the deputy head of the administration, stated that a new support plan will be developed with local authorities to address ongoing and future needs after Tkuma's budget ends. The government will be asked to approve this new plan, which will focus on addressing trauma and ensuring the return of residents to their homes.
Pansaforkar explained that while Tkuma's initial five-year plan had a budget of 19 billion shekels, it was reduced to 17.2 billion. As of the end of 2025, approximately 11.6 billion shekels have been utilized, leaving less than 3 billion for the remaining two years. The administration is working to maximize the use of the remaining budget for reconstruction and to promote demographic and economic growth through new businesses, industrial zones, and urban renewal projects.
Regarding the rehabilitation efforts, six of the ten most severely affected communities have completed their residents' return, with over 90% of inhabitants back. The remaining four communities are in the process of returning, with full completion expected by July 2027 for some and by the end of the 2028 school year for others, including Nir Oz, which experienced particularly severe damage. Pansaforkar emphasized that the return process is gradual, allowing residents time to adjust to their homes after experiencing the October 7th massacre.
To date, 2,600 structures in the Gaza border region were damaged, with 525 designated for demolition and rebuilding. 1.5 billion shekels have been invested in rebuilding these structures, with significant amounts allocated to Kibbutz Be'eri, Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Pansaforkar noted that the pace of return is faster than in other global disaster zones, despite the unique challenges of rebuilding after a terrorist attack.
The administration is also investing heavily in mental health support, social services, education, and economic development, including cultural and sports facilities. A government team is examining solutions for residents unable or unwilling to return, though Pansaforkar stressed that funding for this should not come at the expense of those who have already returned.