Daniella Weiss: A Life Dedicated to Israeli Settlement
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Daniella Weiss, a leading Israeli settlement activist, faces international sanctions from the EU, Canada, and the UK for her role in promoting and supporting settlement activities. She advocates for Jewish settlement in Gaza and has been a key figure in the settlement movement for decades, despite legal challenges and political criticism.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Daniella Weiss and her Nahala movement face international sanctions.
- Weiss advocates for renewed Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip.
- She previously led settlement efforts in the West Bank.
- Weiss has been convicted of interfering with a police officer.
- She has expressed strong views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Daniella Weiss, a prominent figure in the Israeli settlement movement, has been a driving force behind establishing Jewish communities in the West Bank and, more recently, advocating for a return to Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip. Since leaving her post as head of the Kedumim local council in 2007 after 11 years, Weiss co-founded the Nahala settlement movement in 2005 with Rabbi Moshe Levinger. Since October 2023, she has been actively promoting the idea of Jewish settlement in Gaza.
Weiss's activism has drawn international scrutiny. In May 2026, the European Union added her and the Nahala movement to its sanctions list, citing her role in planning, directing, and publicly supporting the movement's actions. Prior to this, Canada imposed sanctions on her in June 2024, and the United Kingdom followed in May 2025. These sanctions cite her involvement in acts of violence and aggression against Palestinians.
Throughout her career, Weiss has held significant roles within the settlement movement, including Secretary General of Gush Emunim from 1984 to 1988. She has also faced legal challenges, including a conviction in January 2013 for interfering with a police officer during the eviction of a house in Hebron. Despite these challenges and international sanctions, Weiss remains steadfast in her beliefs. She has stated that settlement in Judea and Samaria will continue, calling it the "cradle of the nation."
Weiss's advocacy for settlement in Gaza intensified after the October 7th attacks, which she described as a turning point signaling the end of Arab presence in the area. She has participated in numerous conferences and initiatives aimed at re-establishing settlements in Gaza, with her movement reportedly receiving significant funding for this purpose. Her activities have also garnered support from some Israeli politicians, with ministers attending rallies and expressing solidarity.
Weiss has also been critical of Israeli leadership at various times, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, whom she accused of not being loyal to the Land of Israel and acting dictatorially. She has also expressed strong opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including controversial statements about the fate of Gaza's Arab population and the prioritization of Israeli lives.