Activists Establish Gaza Border Outpost, IDF Disperses Them

Activists from the 'Nahala' movement established a new settlement point named "Pioneers of Gaza" in the Yatir Forest, near the Gaza border, between Thursday night and Friday morning. They erected structures and basic infrastructure, declaring their intention to eventually move into the Gaza Strip. The movement claimed over 700 participants, including families, bereaved relatives, and wounded soldiers, while the IDF estimated around 50 people were present. The police dispersed the activists, and the IDF declared the area between the settlements of Nachal Oz and Kfar Aza and the border fence a closed military zone, blocking access roads. The movement is demanding the government approve the relocation of the settlement into northern Gaza, asserting that establishing settlements there will instill a clear sense of defeat in the enemy. They also called for the repeal of the Disengagement Law and the establishment of new Israeli settlements in Gaza. The initiative received support from Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi, who joined the activists and called them "the heroic pioneers of our generation," adding that they would continue to "plant and deepen roots in all the land of our fathers' inheritance, including the Gaza Strip." Local Likud branch leaders also present urged the government to advance settlement in Gaza. The renewal of Israeli settlement in Gaza is a deeply divisive issue politically. Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid has previously argued that such a move would cause "international damage" and endanger IDF soldiers. Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz supports Israeli security control over Gaza but believes civilian settlements would be a "security mistake" that would divide the public.