Israeli ministers join march to Gaza to demand return of settlements

What Happened

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and over two dozen other ministers and legislators joined a march organized by the settler group Nachala near the Gaza border on Sunday, demanding the return of Jewish settlements to the Palestinian territory. The marchers called for rebuilding Elei Sinai, Dugit, and Nisanit, three settlements evacuated in 2005. Nachala claimed over 10,000 attended, but Israeli media estimated a few hundred. The Israeli military designated the area a closed military zone and restricted the route to prevent marchers from crossing into Gaza, though some participants bypassed checkpoints. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party was listed among the rally’s sponsors, despite his insistence that Gaza will not be resettled.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The march reflects a mainstreaming of calls to resettle Gaza within Israeli political discourse, as senior cabinet members openly push for rebuilding settlements evacuated in 2005. This development could complicate ceasefire arrangements, inflame Palestinian and international opposition, and further embolden settler groups to act unilaterally, potentially destabilizing the fragile security environment.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Israeli government takes concrete steps to authorize or facilitate settlement construction in Gaza, any follow-up incursions or provocations at the border fence, and reactions from Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and international mediators. Also watch for further sanctions or diplomatic repercussions against Israeli officials involved.