Israel Defense Forces Block Gaza Border During Settler March

The Israel Defense Forces established a 24-hour closed military zone in the western Negev on July 19, 2026, to prevent thousands of protesters from infiltrating the Gaza Strip. The restrictions, signed by Maj. Gen. Yaniv Assor, limited non-resident access to areas west of Route 34 and Route 232, stretching from Yad Mordechai to the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The measures were implemented ahead of the "March of Thousands to Gaza," organized by the far-right Nachala settlement movement. Over 10,000 demonstrators gathered at Yad Mordechai Junction and Zikim Beach to demand the re-establishment of Jewish communities such as Nissanit, Dugit, and Eli Sinai. The march served as a pressure campaign against the Israeli government to reverse the 2005 disengagement plan before upcoming elections.

To avoid conflict, Nahala reached an agreement with the military not to enter the Strip, concluding the rally at a lookout over the northern border. The event drew significant political support, including 28 cabinet and Knesset members. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir participated in the rally, with Smotrich stating a readiness to establish three communities in northern Gaza immediately upon receiving approval from the prime minister.