Tekuma region population grows 10% past pre-October 7 levels as 90% of residents return

Alongside the return of residents who were evacuated, thousands of new residents have moved to the region since October 7.

Around 66,000 residents now live in the Tekuma region, approximately 5,000 more than on the eve of the October 7 massacre three years ago, according to figures published by the Tekuma Directorate on Thursday.

The increase in the Tekuma region - made up of Sderot, Eshkol, Sha'ar HaNegev, Sdot Negev, and Chof - represents growth of about 10%, at a rate 2.5 times the national average, while more than 90% of the region's residents have already returned to their communities.

Alongside the return of residents who were evacuated, thousands of new residents have moved to the region since October 7. Sderot, the largest city in the area, now has a population of around 40,000. The Tekuma Directorate has set a goal of doubling the region's population by 2033.

Most of the evacuated communities have already returned to their homes, but the process is still underway in four communities. In Kissufim, more than 96% of residents have returned, while the return to Holit began at the end of August. Residents of Kfar Aza are expected to begin returning at the end of September.

In Be'eri, the return is expected to begin at the end of December and continue through July 2027. The kibbutz's reconstruction budget stands at NIS 473 million and includes the renovation of hundreds of residential and public buildings, alongside the construction of new housing units.

Reconstruction of Nir Oz continues ahead of residents' 2027 return

Reconstruction and construction work is continuing in Nir Oz ahead of the residents' expected return during 2027. The reconstruction budget stands at NIS 232 million. So far, 10 new housing units have been built and around 30 others renovated, with dozens of additional units planned for construction.

Around NIS 57 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of Holit. The work includes the rehabilitation and renovation of 110 residential and public buildings, as well as upgrades to water, sewage, and electricity infrastructure.

In Kfar Aza, the reconstruction budget stands at NIS 211 million. Under the plan, around 280 buildings are being renovated, and 98 housing units are being rebuilt.

The multi-year plan for the rehabilitation and development of the Tekuma region totals approximately NIS 17 billion. By the end of 2025, NIS 11.6 billion had been committed in practice, with a further NIS 2.8 billion earmarked for commitment during 2026. Around NIS 3.18 billion was allocated to reconstruction and the return of residents, including funding for temporary housing.

Homes, security, education, healthcare funded

Alongside the reconstruction of homes and communities, funding has also been allocated to security, education, and healthcare. By the end of June 2026, around NIS 880 million had been invested in security, including upgrades to fences, gates, protective systems, and community defense arrangements.

Around NIS 1 billion has been invested in education, while more than NIS 466 million had been invested in healthcare by the end of 2025.

Tekuma Directorate head Aviad Friedman said that alongside the continuing reconstruction work, the goal was to generate further growth in the region.

"Our mission is to create the conditions that will allow the region to continue rehabilitating, growing, and attracting new residents," he said.