IDF closes large area of southern Negev to prevent settler prayer rally near Gaza Strip

Youth settler movement planned large prayer rally in support of Gaza resettlement

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The Israel Defense Forces closed off several areas in the Gaza Envelope to prevent a large prayer rally supporting the resettlement of the Gaza Strip after the war, the IDF announced on Monday.

The commander of the IDF Southern Command signed an order to change the policy of the closed military zone for several areas near the Gaza Strip, including agricultural areas near the Erez Crossing, Yad Mordechai, Sha'ar Hanegev Junction, Netivot Junction and Nahal Oz, which will be closed to civilian traffic.

According to N12 News, the IDF order came after the Nahala setter movement announced it would hold a prayer event on Monday evening along the Netzarim route in central Gaza . The Netzarim route is part of a closed military site.

The IDF announced the closures to the roads in southern Israel primarily to prevent Nahala's members from attempting to enter the Gaza Strip.

Israel Police said they are ready to support the IDF by enforcing the Southern Command's order. This includes keeping unauthorized civilians out of closed military zones and maintaining order and security at the crossings.

The police further clarified: “In the area of the crossings there are threats of sniping and high-trajectory fire, and staying there poses a danger of harm to human life. Drivers and civilians are asked to follow the instructions of the police and military police and take alternate routes in order to reduce traffic congestion on the roads."

"It is forbidden to cross fences, move along unmarked dirt roads, and enter fenced and signposted places. We will not allow disturbances of public order of any kind and any behavior that may endanger the safety of the public.”

The Nahala movement denied plans to block the border fence and slammed the decision by Israeli authorities n to close large areas of the Gaza Envelope.

“The reading of the Book of Lamentations is planned to take place at the Yad Anzac monument in the sovereign territory of the State of Israel,” the group said in an announcement. “And it is inconceivable that the reading of the scroll will not be allowed only for political reasons.”

The statement admitted that the purpose of the event was to raise support for settlement in Gaza after the end of the war.

“We informed the public and all military and police officials that we had no plan to cross the fence. Many from all over the country are expected to come and participate in the call for the renewal of Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip.”

The Nahala movement, along with other setter movements, has repeatedly called for a return of Jewish settlement in Gaza when the war ends.

Monday night is the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower, and thousands of Israelis go to the southern Negev for better viewing conditions. It is also possible that the military and police hope to reduce the number of stargazers in the southern Israeli desert.

The Jewish observance of Tisha B'Av also begins in Israel on Monday at sundown.

Tisha B'Av is a significant Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is a day of mourning marked by fasting, reading from the Book of Lamentations, and reflecting on historical tragedies.