Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon took part Sunday in an event honoring the civilian arrays in the Gaza Belt and spoke about the issue of the ravashatzim – a Hebrew acronym that means “military security coordinator” – who serve the communities as security officers.

The Defense Ministry had planned to fired numerous ravshatzim and reduce others to part-time employment. Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz then decided to freeze the decision, in response to an outcry from the heads of the communities.

“The relevant elements in the Defense Ministry and the IDF are carrying out staff work to re-examine the repercussions and lessons of [Operation Protective Edge] on the security elements in the Gaza Belt communities, including the ravshatzim issue,” Yaalon said.

“I will make a decision on the matter in the next few days, and I promise you – your security will not be adversely affected,” he vowed. “We are learning lessons, fixing mistakes, learning where we can improve things, and I again commit to you that we will know how to give you the security and full feeling of security. That is our duty.”

Almost three months since Operation Protective Edge ended, Yaalon added, “the enemy standing before us does not want us to exist here, and if it only could, it would do everything possible to make our lives miserable and make us tire of them. Protective Edge was a very harsh blow for it, and if it challenges us again, we will know how to act again with full power and determination.”

“We will not let Hamas wear down your lives, and we will not accept attempts to make them impossible again. A central part of this strength and determination will be realized, thanks to the people here in the Gaza Belt, who do the jobs that we are honoring today – the excellent leadership and the residents.”