Knesset Approves Additional 20 Million Shekels for Shdot Negev Regional Council Recovery

The Knesset plenary approved in second and third readings a bill proposing extensive rehabilitation funding for the Tikuma region as a national focus area, including aid for nearby communities. The bill, advanced by Likud MK Shashi Guetta, passed unanimously with 10 supporting votes and no opposition or abstentions. Under the law, Tikuma management will transfer a total of 20 million shekels to the Shdot Negev Regional Council for 2025 and 2026 to fulfill prior commitments and support recovery efforts following the events of October 7 and the ensuing war.

The bill's explanatory notes state that local authorities in the Tikuma area continue to face budgetary challenges despite previous resource allocations, due to ongoing disruptions to daily life culminating in the October 7 attacks and subsequent conflict. The Shdot Negev Regional Council, led by Likud's Tamir Idan and located near the Gaza Strip with about 13,000 residents, ranks in socioeconomic cluster 6. Idan claimed the funds were previously promised by government ministries, which have since denied the commitment.

Government professional bodies opposed the fund transfer, arguing it would cover a pre-October 7 deficit and contravene professional and legal standards. During the war, Idan declared he was "done" with Likud, yet Guetta and Likud MK and Economy Committee Chair David Bitan promoted the bill through the committee stage.