IDF Declares Closed Military Zone in Southern Negev Ahead of Nahala Settlement March to Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a closed military zone in the western Negev region on Sunday, December 26, 2024, to prevent a planned march by the Nahala movement aiming to enter the Gaza Strip. The order, signed by Southern Command Chief Major General Yaniv Asor, took effect at 8:00 a.m. and will last 24 hours along key routes leading to the border. The restricted area extends from the Yad Mordechai junction westward along Highway 34 to Shaar HaNegev junction, then west along Highway 232 to the Kerem Shalom area. Local residents and workers in the surrounding communities will still be allowed access.

The military deployment in the area is intended to enforce the ban on protesters entering the border zone. The decision followed plans by Nahala activists to gather at Yad Mordechai junction at 5:00 p.m. and illegally cross into Gaza. In recent days, the movement has promoted the campaign "Putting a Stamp on the Borderline - Settling Gaza Now!".

Minister of Strategic Affairs May Golan and several Knesset members announced their participation in the event, with Golan urging the public to join and stating, "Settlement equals security!". The movement also enlisted bereaved families, including Eliav Libi, father of fallen soldier David Libi, who called on supporters to come to Yad Mordechai, emphasizing, "Everyone is coming because we must return home!".