Israeli settler, founder of Nachala; former Kedumim mayor
Since late May, the EU and several Western allies have imposed travel bans, asset freezes and targeted national sanctions on Israeli settlers, settler organisations and some far-right ministers over record settlement expansion and rising settler violence in the West Bank. Britain, France, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and others are coordinating measures to disrupt financing for extremist settler groups.
Multiple reports confirm that Israeli officials have advanced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including thousands of new homes and infrastructure. The push is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and could reshape settlement footprint, raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing international condemnation.
Protesters affiliated with Nachala, including high-ranking ministers and lawmakers, have pressed to reestablish settlements in Gaza. The march, dubbed the “March of Thousands,” defies security restrictions as participants approach the Gaza border amid a heavy security presence. The event aims to pressure the government to revive Elei Sinai, Dugit and Nisanit evacuated at Gaza’s 2005 pullout.