Galit Shaul, head of the Hefer Valley Regional Council, has requested clarification from Home Front Command Chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo regarding his statement that "the threat in Bat Hefer is greater than in the Gaza envelope," which was reported on Keshet News. The council spokesperson stated that "the council maintains continuous contact with military and security forces operating actively and aggressively in the area in recent months. Bat Hefer has a trained emergency response team and command center, and the council has added security measures and protective equipment following its demands." The statement also noted that "the general's words serve as a warning sign: more security and significant security budgets must be provided for Bat Hefer and all seam zone communities."