Resilience of Israelis: After 500 Days Most Have Returned Home to the South

One of the major consequences of the war that broke out in the wake of the October 7 massacre by Hamas was the displacement of tens of thousands of residents from the Gaza Envelope area. On October 19, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu established the Takuma Directorate, to lead the efforts to restore, rebuild and revive the the destroyed communities in the South, renamed the the TKUMA (revival) region. Today, five hundred days after the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, 53,000 people—representing 83% of southern residents—have returned home, according to data released this morning (Monday) by the Takuma Directorate. The figure is even higher when factoring in communities that cannot yet return due to security concerns or ongoing reconstruction efforts: 92% of eligible residents have returned to their homes.

The Directorate has invested 7 billion shekels in 2024 alone, with a four-year budget of 12 billion shekels dedicated to rehabilitation efforts. The budget for physical reconstruction stands at 1.5 billion shekels, with the ten hardest-hit communities receiving 1.1 billion shekels in aid. The kibbutz of Be’eri, which suffered the most severe damage, has been allocated 570 million shekels. More than 500 million shekels have been also been invested in agriculture, local economies, and energy infrastructure in the region.

The Ongoing Efforts to Restore the rest of the Communities

Thirteen communities in the Gaza Envelope remain unable to absorb returning residents, due to security restrictions imposed by the government because of the extensive reconstruction work being undertaken there. The reconstruction work in most communities is expected to be completed by 2025. However, some areas—such as Be’eri and Nir Oz—will require more time, with full restoration anticipated by 2026.

Rehabilitation Updates by Community:

• Be’eri: Extensive reconstruction is underway. 70 of the 150 homes slated for demolition have been cleared, while 250 of the 300 damaged homes have been repaired. An additional 64 housing units are under construction. Full restoration is expected by 2026, with residents temporarily residing in Kibbutz Hatzerim.
• Kfar Aza: Reconstruction is set to commence in the coming weeks, including new construction and repairs. Completion is projected for 2026, with residents currently living in Kibbutz Ruhama.
• Kerem Shalom: Restoration of 36 homes and 3 public buildings is complete. Another 24 homes are expected to be finished this month.
• Re’im: Repairs to 90 damaged homes are expected to be completed within two weeks, and the full lifting of rebuilding restrictions is anticipated by late 2025.
• Nirim: The first renovated homes are being handed over, with all scheduled for completion by the end of the month. Reconstruction restrictions should be lifted by April 2025.
• Ein HaShlosha: Renovation work is ongoing for 75 of approximately 150 homes.
• Nahal Oz: 60 homes are currently undergoing renovations, with another 50 set to enter the process by the end of the month. Full completion is expected by July 2025, enabling the return of residents.
• Nir Oz: A reconstruction plan is still under discussion with the kibbutz. Completion is projected for 2026.
• Kissufim: Work is set to begin later this month. Meanwhile, 78 temporary housing units have been established for displaced residents in the town of Omer, along with three kindergartens.
• Holit: Reconstruction is scheduled to be completed by 2026. Residents are temporarily housed in Kibbutz Revivim.
• Nir Yitzhak, Sufa, and Netiv HaAsara: Damage in these areas has been addressed or is in the process of being repaired through the  Israel Tax Authority’s Compensation Fund, in accordance with the needs of each community and its residents.