Dozens of Israeli cabinet members and parliamentarians participated in a march near the Gaza border on Sunday, advocating for the reestablishment of Jewish settlements within the Palestinian territory, a move that directly challenges Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated policy. The demonstration, organized by the settler group Nachala, saw participants converge on the perimeter of Gaza, with some defying a last-minute military order restricting their route to prevent any incursions into the besieged enclave.
This rally signifies a notable shift in Israeli political discourse, as calls for resettling Gaza have transitioned from fringe movements to prominent mainstream political agendas. The event was sponsored in part by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party, despite his public assertions that Gaza will not be resettled. This apparent contradiction underscores the internal political pressures and ideological divisions within the Israeli government regarding the future of Gaza.
The Israeli military declared the area surrounding the march a closed military zone for 24 hours, citing security concerns and the need to prevent participants from crossing into Gaza. Nachala, the primary organizer, branded the event the "March of Thousands" and claimed over 10,000 attendees, though independent Israeli media reports estimated the crowd to be in the hundreds.
Nachala is spearheaded by Daniella Weiss, a long-standing advocate for Israeli resettlement in Gaza. Her past statements, including remarks at a Likud party conference suggesting Palestinians would "disappear" from the territory, have drawn significant international condemnation and highlighted the radical underpinnings of the settlement movement.
Despite military restrictions, some marchers circumvented checkpoints by navigating through nearby hillsides to reach the Gaza border fence. Verified video footage confirmed the presence of dozens of Israelis at the barrier. Among the prominent figures present were Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds authority over settlement affairs, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Both ministers, along with more than two dozen other officials, reportedly joined the march. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have previously faced sanctions from several European nations due to their policies and public statements.
Marchers carried banners proclaiming "returning home after 21 years," a reference to the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. Their immediate demand was the reconstruction of Elei Sinai, Dugit, and Nisanit, three settlements that were evacuated during that disengagement. Minister Ben-Gvir, a key member of Netanyahu’s cabinet, shared a video from the march with the caption "Gaza is ours." Finance Minister Smotrich also urged Israelis to seize what he termed a "historic opportunity" to rebuild settlements in Gaza.
Historical Context of Gaza Settlements
The push to reestablish settlements in Gaza is rooted in a broader Israeli settlement policy in the Palestinian territories. Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip. Over the subsequent decades, Israel established numerous settlements in these areas, which are considered illegal under international law by the vast majority of the international community.
The Gaza Strip, a densely populated Palestinian territory, was home to approximately 9,000 Israeli settlers in 21 settlements prior to the 2005 disengagement. This unilateral withdrawal, ordered by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, involved the evacuation of all settlers and the dismantling of military bases. The stated aim was to enhance Israeli security and facilitate a future two-state solution, though the effectiveness and long-term implications of this decision remain subjects of intense debate.
The Rise of the Resettlement Movement
The movement to resettle Gaza gained significant traction following the October 7th attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza. Proponents argue that reestablishing settlements is essential for Israel’s security, viewing Gaza as strategically vital territory. They often cite historical and religious claims to the land, framing the return as a reclaiming of ancestral heritage.
Groups like Nachala have been actively lobbying the Israeli government and organizing public demonstrations to pressure policymakers. Their efforts have found resonance within certain factions of the current Israeli government, particularly among far-right parties that advocate for expanding Israeli control over all territories considered part of the historic Land of Israel.
International Law and Palestinian Perspectives
International law, as interpreted by the United Nations and most global powers, prohibits the establishment of settlements in occupied territories. The Fourth Geneva Convention explicitly forbids an occupying power from transferring parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies. Critics argue that any attempt to reestablish settlements in Gaza would constitute a grave violation of international law and further undermine prospects for peace.
Palestinian lawyer and analyst Diana Buttu commented on the implications of the resettlement push, stating that Israel’s actions are emboldened by a lack of international accountability. She asserted that a country perceived to have committed "genocide and ethnic cleansing" might feel empowered to seize more land without facing consequences. This perspective reflects the deep-seated Palestinian grievances regarding Israeli occupation and settlement expansion.
Political Ramifications and Government Stance
The participation of senior ministers in the march creates a direct conflict with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s public declarations. While Netanyahu has stated that Gaza will not be resettled, the actions of Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, and others within his coalition suggest a powerful internal push to overturn this policy. This internal dissent highlights the challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining a unified government position on critical security and territorial issues.
The Likud party’s sponsorship of the event further complicates the political landscape. It suggests an alignment with the resettlement agenda, at least for public relations purposes, despite the Prime Minister’s official stance. This strategy may be aimed at appeasing the right-wing base of the party without fully committing to a policy that is internationally contentious and faces significant internal opposition.
Security Concerns and Military Response
The Israeli military’s designation of the area as a closed military zone underscores the security sensitivities surrounding the Gaza border. Military officials have consistently warned against any actions that could provoke escalation or compromise operational security. The decision to restrict the marchers’ route was a clear attempt to maintain control and prevent unauthorized crossings, which could have unpredictable and dangerous consequences.
In December, a similar incident occurred when a group of Nachala activists briefly entered Gaza, planting an Israeli flag before being apprehended by soldiers. These recurring incursions demonstrate the determination of the settler movement and the ongoing security challenges posed by such activities.
Broader Implications for the Region
The renewed calls for Israeli settlements in Gaza have significant implications for the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional stability. The establishment of settlements is a major obstacle to a two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Any move to reintroduce settlements would likely be met with widespread international condemnation and could further inflame tensions in the region.
Furthermore, the political climate within Israel, increasingly influenced by right-wing nationalist and religious parties, suggests a growing appetite for territorial expansion. This trend raises concerns about the future trajectory of Israeli policy and its impact on Palestinian aspirations for statehood and self-determination.
The debate over Gaza’s future remains deeply divisive, both within Israel and internationally. The march on Sunday serves as a potent symbol of the competing visions for the territory and the enduring complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with calls for settlement revival gaining momentum amidst ongoing hostilities.
