What’s happening
Representatives from the Kibbutzim of Be’eri and Nir Oz have decided not to attend a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting was to include regional council heads and representatives from towns near the Gaza border.
Why it matters
The refusal of these communities to meet with Netanyahu underscores a sense of dissatisfaction and unresolved grievances following the aftermath of the events of October 7th, when the region suffered significant violence.
Be’eri’s stance
Be’eri clarified that their non-attendance is not a boycott but a matter of scheduling conflicts. The kibbutz is open to hosting the Prime Minister for a discussion on the October 7th atrocities and the rehabilitation of Be’eri, provided that the visit is well-coordinated and not for media publicity.
Nir Oz’s position
Nir Oz also declined to send representatives, indicating that the format of the meeting did not meet the expectations of its residents. They emphasize the need for the Prime Minister to engage directly with all segments of the community, including children, parents, and the elderly who endured the October 7th incident.
Regional council response
Council heads invited to the meeting have shown understanding towards the kibbutzim’s decisions. While not explicitly labeled a boycott, the refusal to attend the meeting with Netanyahu is perceived as a reflection of the residents’ frustration and resentment.
Netanyahu’s regional visits
Despite not meeting directly with the affected residents, Netanyahu has toured the towns and met with soldiers in the area. His recent visit with entrepreneur Elon Musk to Kfar Aza highlighted the ongoing crisis. Still, some residents, like Itamar Cohen, whose home was visited, expressed discontent at not being informed or involved in such tours.
The broader context
Netanyahu’s actions and interactions with the communities affected by the October 7th violence are closely scrutinized. The Kibbutzim’s refusal to attend the meeting reflects broader concerns about the government’s engagement with citizens who have directly suffered from conflict and violence.
This story was first published on jpost.com.