The Israel Defense Forces imposed a closed military zone across parts of the western Negev on Sunday in advance of a planned march toward the Gaza border organized by right-wing activists seeking to rebuild Jewish communities in the territory.
The military announced the restriction would remain in effect from 8:00 a.m. Sunday through 8:00 a.m. Monday. The closed zone spans from Yad Mordechai Junction west of Route 34 to Sha'ar HaNegev Junction, then west of Route 232 to Kibbutz Kerem Shalom at the border.
The IDF stated that residents and workers in the affected communities would be permitted entry, and that "the IDF is prepared in the area."
The event, called the "March of Thousands" And coordinated by several right-wing organizations, was expected to involve attempts to enter northern Gaza, according to reporting. Organizers scheduled the march to depart from Yad Mordechai Junction at 5 p.m.
The Nachala Settlement Movement, which advocates reestablishing Jewish communities in Gaza, stated on Sunday: "Today, we will all march together with a clear demand: Settle the northern perimeter - before the elections! Make the perimeter permanent - resettle Gaza now!"
The march was anticipated to draw several Cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with lawmakers from the Likud, Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties.