Thousands of Negev residents blocked roads throughout the south this morning, including the major thoroughfare into the Negev and the entrances to the cities of Be\'er Sheva, Dimona, Arad, Sderot, and others. Most of the Negev municipalities were on strike today, including schools, garbage collection, and municipal services. In Be\'er Sheva, public transportation was shut down. The protestors are fuming at the government\'s intention to nullify laws that give special benefits and assistance to the Negev communities. \"People took loans based on these laws,\" one resident said, \"and it is not right or fair to suddenly revoke them.\" Prime Minister Sharon and Finance Minister Shalom are trying to cut up to six billion shekels from the national budget for next year.



Negev leaders threatened that today\'s action was just a taste of what is to come if the benefits are repealed. Several northern municipality leaders have expressed their preparedness to stage their own strikes or protest actions if the government decides in its next Cabinet meeting this coming Monday to revoke the Negev benefits.