Israeli Ministers and MKs to March Toward Gaza as IDF Declares Closed Military Zone in Western Negev

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a closed military zone in the western Negev region starting Sunday morning at 8:00 AM until Monday at 8:00 AM, ahead of a large march planned toward the Gaza Strip. The closed area extends from the Yad Mordechai junction west of Highway 34 to the Sha'ar HaNegev junction, and from Sha'ar HaNegev west of Highway 232 to Kerem Shalom. Residents and workers will still have access to local communities, and the IDF stated it is prepared for the event.

The march, titled "Putting a Stamp on the Border" and "Coming Home After 21 Years," will include dozens of ministers and senior Knesset members from the coalition. Confirmed participants include Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, Shlomo Karhi, Amichai Eliyahu, and Nir Barkat, alongside numerous MKs such as Ariel Kallner, Avichai Boaron, Amit Halevi, Moshe Pasal, Eli Dalal, and others. Thousands of civilians, bereaved families, war wounded, hundreds from the Gaza envelope communities, and settlement pioneers are expected to gather at Yad Mordechai junction to join the march.

The march carries a declared intention to enter the Gaza Strip, despite current prohibitions, relying on recent political statements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently emphasized the need for action rather than talk, and Defense Minister Yoav Ketz has announced plans to establish three Nahal pioneer groups in the northern Gaza border area. Last month, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated readiness to immediately establish three settlements in northern Gaza once given the green light by the Prime Minister.

The primary goal of the march is to renew Jewish settlement in the Gaza area before the upcoming elections. The organizing movement, "Nachala," highlighted the march as a central initiative to advance settlement in Gaza. The march is scheduled to begin in the evening, with security forces deployed throughout the area to maintain order.