**Title: Israeli Ministers Join March to Gaza to Demand Return of Settlements**
On July 19, 2026, Israeli cabinet members and parliamentarians participated in a march towards the Gaza Strip, advocating for the reconstruction of Jewish settlements in the area. The event, organized by the pro-settlement group Nachala, has sparked significant attention and controversy, highlighting a shift in the political landscape regarding Gaza.
The march, dubbed the "March of Thousands," took place despite a last-minute military order that restricted the route due to concerns that some participants might attempt to cross the border into Gaza. The Israeli army had designated the surrounding area as a closed military zone for 24 hours to prevent any potential breaches.
Among the prominent figures at the march was National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who shared a video of himself among the participants with the caption, "Gaza is ours." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement affairs, was also present, urging Israelis to seize what he described as a "historic opportunity" to rebuild settlements in Gaza. Other ministers and legislators joined them, with reports indicating that more than two dozen officials attended the rally.
The marchers called for the reconstruction of three settlements—Elei Sinai, Dugit, and Nisanit—that were evacuated during Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005. The event has been characterized as a significant sign that the idea of resettling Gaza is gaining traction within mainstream Israeli political discourse, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's previous assertions that Gaza would not be resettled.
Daniella Weiss, the leader of Nachala and a long-time advocate for resettlement, stated at a Likud party conference that Palestinians would "disappear" from the territory, reflecting the controversial rhetoric surrounding the issue. The Likud party, which Netanyahu leads, was listed among the sponsors of the rally, further complicating the party's position on the matter.
While Nachala claimed that over 10,000 people attended the march, Israeli media estimates suggested that the actual turnout was only a few hundred. Some participants reportedly circumvented checkpoints by traversing nearby hills to reach the Gaza border, where video footage verified by Al Jazeera showed groups of Israelis gathered near the border fence.
The march has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Palestinian legal analysts. Diana Buttu, a Palestinian lawyer, commented on the implications of the settlement drive, stating that Israel's actions are emboldened by a lack of accountability for its past actions. "Because Israel has never been punished for its crimes, it’s only natural that a country that commits genocide and ethnic cleansing feels emboldened to steal more land," she remarked.
This event follows a history of tensions and confrontations in the region, including a prior incident in December when a group of Nachala activists briefly crossed into Gaza and planted an Israeli flag before being escorted back by soldiers.
As the Israeli government continues to grapple with the complex dynamics of the Gaza conflict, the march signifies a notable moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding settlements and the future of the region. The implications of such demonstrations and the rhetoric surrounding them may influence both domestic and international perceptions of Israel's policies in Gaza.