Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening, the eve of 14 Kislev 5773 at his Jerusalem residence, met with local council heads from the south of the country and told them: “The IDF acted with strength, and as soon as the operation’s goals were achieved – we ended it. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to see to it that the quiet is maintained. If it is violated, the IDF is ready to respond strongly. I salute the residents of the south. Their resilience enabled us to achieve the goals that we set.”

Beersheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich, at the start of the meeting, said, “This operation has a prominent achievement – Israel’s strong home front.”

Prime Minister’s Office Director-General Hare Locker, who was appointed by the prime minister to head the Government team on ensuring that the needs of the residents and communities that were affected by Operation Pillar of Defense are dealt with quickly, said that in addition to the immediate response by the tax authorities regarding compensation for direct damages, the Knesset Finance Committee yesterday approved directives on compensation for indirect damages (loss of work days and compensation for businesses). Moreover, a preliminary 15 million NIS aid package has been approved for local authorities to cover expenses stemming from the security situation.

Attending the meeting were: Abu-Basma Regional Council Chairman Rachamim Yona, Ofakim Mayor Tzvika Greengold, Ashdod Mayor Yechiel Lasri, Ashkelon Mayor Benny Vaknin, Be’er Tuvia Regional Council Chairman Dror Shor, Beersheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich, Bnei Ayash Mayor Mark Bassin, Bnei Shimon Regional Council Chairman Sigal Moran, Gan Yavne Mayor Dror Aharon, Chevel Yavne Regional Council Chairman Eliezer Benfeld, Ashkelon Coast Regional Council Chairman Yair Firjean, Lachish Regional Council Chairman Danny Morviya, Nachal Sorek Regional Council Chairman Eli Escosido, Omer Mayor Pini Badash, Rahat Mayor Fayez Abu Dahiban, Ramat HaNegev Regional Council Chairman Shmulik Lipman, Sderot Mayor David Buskila, Shar HaNegev Regional Council Chairman Alon Shuster and Rishon L’Tzion Mayor Dov Tzur.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)