Defense minister meets mayors of Gaza-area communities on challenges, security

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant holds a meeting with mayors and leaders of communities in southern Israel that are close to the border with the Gaza Strip, his office says.

“The meeting dealt with ways to strengthen settlement in the south and maintain the security of the residents,” the Defense Ministry says in a statement.

The mayors and regional council leaders presented Gallant with the future challenges and needs of the residents, the statement adds.

Participating in the meeting were Netivot Mayor Yehiel Zohar, Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam, Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino, Sdot Negev regional council head Tamir Idan, Merhavim regional council head Shai Hagigi, Hof Ashkelon regional council head Itamar Ravivo, and Lachish regional council head Dani Moravia.

Gallant orders Defense Ministry officials to examine the issues raised by the mayors and regional council leaders during the meeting, the ministry says.