Israeli Ministers Join Planned Protest March Into Gaza, IDF Declares Closed Military Zone

Several right-wing organizations in Israel have organized a protest march scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2026, that aims to enter the northern Gaza Strip. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared a closed military zone in the western Negev area surrounding Gaza from 8:00 AM on July 26 until 8:00 AM the following day. The restricted area extends from the Yad Mordechai junction west of Highway 34 to the Shaar Hanegev junction, and from Shaar Hanegev west of Highway 232 to Kerem Shalom. Entry will be permitted only for residents and workers in the region.

The protest, named the "March of Thousands," is expected to include participation from several Israeli ministers and Knesset members, notably Bezalel Smotrich, Shlomo Karhi, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Amichai Shikli, Nir Barkat, Amichai Eliyahu, Mai Golan, and Idit Silman. Many lawmakers from the Likud, Religious Zionism, and Otzma Yehudit parties are also slated to join. Smotrich has previously announced plans for establishing new settlements in northern Gaza, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Defense Minister to approve these initiatives.

This demonstration follows a similar event in late December 2025, when families from the "Nahala" settlement movement crossed into Gaza, briefly raising an Israeli flag before being returned by IDF forces. The earlier protest included children and infants, highlighting the involvement of settler families in these actions.

The IDF's declaration of a closed military zone reflects concerns over the protesters' intention to enter Gaza illegally, aiming to prevent security incidents while allowing local residents to access their communities. The situation underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Israeli settlement policies and access to Gaza's border areas.