On Sunday, the Israeli military declared a closed military zone in western Negev, from 8 a.m. until 8 a.m. the following day. This comes just hours before the 'Thousands March to Gaza,' involving government ministers, Knesset members, and right-wing figures, as reported by the Hebrew site 'Walla'.
Participants in the march include Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, along with dozens of Knesset members.
The march's slogan, 'Now, Now, Now,' reflects a call by organizers drawing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's urgings for action beyond rhetoric, aligning with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz's announcements of three new sites in the Nahal area and Smotrich's plan to complete infrastructure for a new settlement there.
Ben Gvir urged participation, affirming his backing of what he described as a 'return to Gaza,' noting that the 'Nachala' movement, led by Daniella Weiss and Tzvi Elimelech, is preparing centers for this plan.
In a video message, Smotrich called for widespread participation, advocating that settlements in the sector would serve as a 'security belt' for areas surrounding Gaza. He also urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to approve the project.
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli stated that the future boundaries of Gaza will not be set by agreements with Hamas but by defining Zionist borders. He added that establishing settlements in the region would occur 'even before elections.'