Residents of the Negev, which was classified as an area of national priority, together with the Galilee, following the withdrawal of Jews from Gaza, say they are being abandoned.

In addition to rocket attacks, Maariv newspaper reports that due to cutbacks on tax breaks and mortgage assistance, only 137 homes in Be'er Sheva were sold this year, as opposed to 1,432 in 2001.

The Maariv report showed an increase in the number of residents abandoning Mitzpeh Ramon, Dimona and Yerucham as well.