Israeli ministers lead march toward Gaza border as army declares closed zone
On 19 July 2026 a large demonstration organized by the settler group Nachala took place near the Gaza Strip. More than 10,000 activists – according to organizers, though Israeli media estimated only a few hundred – marched under the banner “returning home after 21 years.” The rally was attended by senior officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and about two dozen other ministers and Knesset members. Participants demanded the rebuilding of the three settlements (Elei Sinai, Dugit and Nisanit) evacuated in the 2005 disengagement.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces declared the surrounding area a closed military zone, set up four checkpoints and imposed route restrictions, keeping the zone sealed until Monday morning 08:00 local time. Some marchers bypassed checkpoints on nearby hillsides, but security forces prevented any crossing into Gaza. The event marks a shift of Gaza‑resettlement calls from fringe activism into mainstream political discourse, occurring amid Israel’s election campaign.
The march has drawn international attention, with ministers Ben‑Gvir and Smotrich under sanctions from several European countries. Video verified by Al Jazeera showed dozens of participants gathered at the border fence. The Israeli army continues to control about 65‑70 % of the Gaza Strip.