Demand for Housing in Netiv HaAsara Surges After October 7 Tragedy

Over 200 families participated in a lottery held on Wednesday to select residential plots in Netiv HaAsara, a community located adjacent to the Gaza Strip separation barrier. Of these, 148 families won the right to choose their plots. The lottery marks a significant step in the community's recovery following the October 7 attack, in which 20 residents of the moshav were killed, 17 within the community and three in nearby areas. Since that tragic day, approximately 90% of the residents have returned to their homes.

Amit Levi, a resident of Netiv HaAsara, described the event as one of the most emotional moments, highlighting the community's resilience and growth despite the recent massacre. He emphasized that the new neighborhood, situated along the western edge of the settlement near the security fence, symbolizes a victory of rebuilding and renewal.

The lottery and increased housing demand come amid broader security budget cuts affecting 67 local authorities, as noted by Amnon Ziv, the security officer of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. The event reflects both the community's determination to restore normalcy and the ongoing challenges faced by border communities in southern Israel.