IDF Declares Closed Military Zone in Western Negev Ahead of Illegal Gaza March

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) imposed a closed military zone order in the western Negev region starting Sunday morning until 8:00 a.m. Monday. This measure follows the planned "March of Thousands," which includes ministers and Knesset members from the coalition intending to enter the Gaza Strip illegally on Sunday evening. The restricted area extends from the Yad Mordechai junction westward along Highway 34 to the Sha'ar HaNegev junction, and from Sha'ar HaNegev westward along Highway 232 to Kerem Shalom.

The march is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. from the Yad Mordechai junction under the slogan "Putting a Seal on the Border." Participating officials include Ministers Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Nir Barkat, Shlomo Karhi, Amichai Chikli, Amichai Eliyahu, Mai Golan, and Idit Silman, as well as Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and other coalition Knesset members. The IDF's closed military zone aims to control the area amid the planned unauthorized entry into Gaza.