Israel Rebuilds South and North as Communities Defy Hamas and Hezbollah Threats

In a video report aired by JNS TV on 17 October 2026, JNF‑USA President Deb Zaluda described a striking reversal of the devastation wrought by Hamas and Hezbollah in 2023. Three years after the October 7 attacks, the footage shows Israelis not only returning to the war‑scarred towns of the south and north, but also laying the foundations for a new phase of growth. Zaluda’s remarks, captured in the channel’s segment titled “They Want Israel To Be Erased, We’re NEVER Gonna Let That Happen!”, provide a detailed look at how the Jewish National Fund‑USA (JNF‑USA) is steering a dual‑track recovery that reflects the very different realities facing the Gaza border region and the Galilee. The report underscores the strategic importance of these rebuilding efforts for Israel’s security, demographic balance and long‑term national identity.

Population Shifts Reveal Divergent Recovery Paths

According to Zaluda, the population of communities along the Gaza border has already surpassed the numbers that existed before the war. The surge reflects a combination of displaced families returning, new residents moving in, and a concerted effort by the state and NGOs to restore housing and services. This demographic rebound is significant because it signals a level of confidence among Israelis that the security situation, while still volatile, is stabilising enough to support a sustainable civilian presence.

In contrast, the northern towns of the Galilee have not experienced a comparable return. Zaluda notes that many residents remain hesitant to move back, citing lingering security concerns linked to Hezbollah’s continued threat along the Lebanese frontier. The slower repopulation raises urgent questions about the long‑term viability of the Galilee as a demographic bulwark for the Jewish state, a concern that has been voiced by senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Defense.

The disparity between the south and north is not merely a statistical footnote; it shapes policy decisions in Jerusalem. While the Ministry of Housing and Construction is accelerating projects in the south to accommodate the growing population, the Ministry of Defense is simultaneously reinforcing the northern front, deploying additional troops and surveillance assets to reassure potential returnees.

Infrastructure and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Zaluda emphasised that rebuilding is inseparable from security. In the south, the rapid reconstruction of homes is accompanied by the installation of advanced early‑warning systems and reinforced border fences. The IDF’s Northern Command has reported a reduction in cross‑border incidents, which, according to the video, has encouraged families to settle back in towns such as Sderot and Netivot.

In the north, the security calculus remains more complex. The video highlights that while the IDF maintains a robust presence along the Blue Line, the threat of artillery fire and infiltration from Hezbollah still looms. As a result, the JNF‑USA’s plans for the Galilee include not only housing but also fortified community centres that can serve as emergency shelters in the event of renewed hostilities.

The report also mentions coordination between the Ministry of Interior, which oversees civil defence, and the Ministry of Transport, which is tasked with repairing roads and bridges damaged during the war. These inter‑ministerial efforts aim to ensure that both civilian mobility and rapid military response are possible across the country’s frontiers.

JNF‑USA’s Comprehensive Rebuilding Blueprint

Deb Zaluda outlined an ambitious portfolio of projects that goes beyond merely replacing roofs. In the south, JNF‑USA is establishing emergency response centres equipped with medical triage units, temporary shelters and logistical hubs for humanitarian aid. These centres are intended to act as a first line of defence against future crises, providing rapid assistance while the permanent infrastructure is rebuilt.

Medical facilities are a cornerstone of the plan. The video shows that new clinics are being constructed in the Gaza border region, staffed by doctors recruited from across Israel and the diaspora. These clinics will offer a range of services, from trauma care to routine health checks, addressing the acute shortage of medical resources that emerged after the October 7 attacks.

Education and employment are also featured prominently. JNF‑USA is funding the refurbishment of schools, the provision of new learning materials, and the creation of vocational training programmes aimed at young adults who lost jobs during the war. By linking education to employment opportunities, the organisation hopes to anchor families in the rebuilt communities and deter out‑migration.

Beersheba: From Desert Outpost to Cultural Hub

One of the most striking elements of Zaluda’s interview is the vision for Beersheba. The city, traditionally a gateway to the Negev desert, is being reimagined as a thriving centre of Jewish life and innovation. According to the report, JNF‑USA is investing in cultural institutions, high‑tech incubators and housing projects that will attract young professionals and families.

The transformation of Beersheba is presented as a strategic move to balance Israel’s demographic distribution. By strengthening the city’s economic and cultural appeal, the government hopes to encourage migration from the congested centre of the country to the south, thereby easing housing pressures in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem while reinforcing the Jewish presence in the Negev.

In practical terms, the video notes that new roads are being built to improve connectivity between Beersheba and the Gaza border towns, facilitating the flow of goods, services and labour. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to create a logistical corridor that supports both civilian commerce and military logistics, reinforcing the city’s role as a regional hub.

Strengthening Zionist Identity Among the Youth

Beyond bricks and mortar, Zaluda stressed a broader mission: reinforcing Zionist identity among a generation that is increasingly exposed to anti‑Israel sentiment online and abroad. The video highlights JNF‑USA’s outreach programmes in schools, where students participate in heritage projects, field trips to historic sites and community service activities in the rebuilt towns.

These initiatives are designed to counter narratives that portray Israel as a victim of perpetual conflict. By involving young Israelis directly in the reconstruction effort, the programme aims to foster a sense of ownership and pride in the nation’s resilience. The report mentions that the Ministry of Education has coordinated with JNF‑USA to integrate these activities into the national curriculum, ensuring a consistent message across public schools.

Internationally, the effort is also framed as a diplomatic tool. By showcasing the revival of communities that Hamas and Hezbollah once tried to erase, Israel can present a vivid counter‑narrative to critics in the United Nations, the European Union and other fora. The video suggests that such visual evidence of renewal could bolster Israel’s case for continued security assistance from allies such as the United States.

Future Outlook: Balancing Growth and Security

The JNS TV report concludes with a sober assessment of the challenges that remain. While the south is witnessing a demographic surge, the north’s slower recovery underscores the need for sustained security guarantees. Zaluda’s remarks imply that JNF‑USA will continue to adapt its projects to the evolving security environment, prioritising fortified infrastructure where the threat level remains high.

Policy makers in Jerusalem are thus tasked with a delicate balancing act: allocating resources to accelerate rebuilding in the south, while simultaneously investing in the north to prevent a demographic vacuum that could be exploited by hostile actors. The Ministry of Finance has reportedly earmarked additional funds for northern projects, acknowledging the strategic importance of a populated Galilee.

In the broader regional context, the reconstruction effort serves as a tangible demonstration of Israel’s determination to survive and thrive despite the existential threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and their regional backers. As the video’s headline asserts, the aim is clear: Israel will not allow its communities to be erased. The ongoing work of JNF‑USA, the IDF, and civilian authorities reflects a coordinated national resolve to rebuild, repopulate and reaffirm the Jewish state’s presence from the Gaza border to the Lebanese frontier.

By Hannah Berg, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: JNS TV video report (17 October 2026); JNS TV; Global1.News