The heads of northern communities in the Galilee have set out on a public struggle against a decision by the State to cut defense budgets to areas bordering Lebanon.
Among the cuts, the State will cut defense components given to the northern communities for dozens of years, including funds for lighting systems, fences around the communities, and other means used to protect against possible terror attacks.
Residents have expressed much anger and frustration at the cuts, which are seen by some as part of a trend which began a month ago, when the IDF decided to unilaterally stop guarding seven northern communities situated by the border with Lebanon.
After the communities decided to protest the move by closing their gates, the IDF reversed its decision and has resumed guarding the areas.
Northern residents say their lives have been abandoned by the State, which sent them to settle the Galilee, in close proximity to an enemy state, while being expected to defend themselves.
"If someone from the Ministry of Defense tells me that the threat on the northern border has decreased, I'm willing to agree to the cuts," said Benny Ben Muvhar, head of the Mevuot Hermon Regional Council.
"But as long as the commander of Division 91 and senior members of the Northern Command repeatedly say that the threat is present on the northern border, I am not willing to accept such a decision by the State to cut funds," he said.
Official: Northern communities will be minimally affected
Community chiefs are planning to protest the move, and to darken the border fence between Lebanon and Israel, in order to illustrate the danger their communities face.
The Ministry of Defense said the cuts derived from the needs of communities on the Gaza border.
A defense official said, however, that the changes in the funds "have yet to be fully agreed upon with the Finance Ministry," adding that the northern communities will be as "minimally affected" as possible.
Ronny Sofer contributed to the report
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