Organization 'Order 9': An Israeli Protest Movement to Stop Aid to Gaza
'Order 9' is an Israeli protest movement calling for a halt to humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the release of Israeli prisoners held there.
'Order 9', known in Hebrew as 'Tsav 9', is a protest movement founded by Israeli settlers Rihout and Yossi Ben Chaim, who reside in the Netivot settlement in southern Israel. Their campaign advocates for the cessation of humanitarian aid to Gaza until the last Israeli prisoner held there is released. The phrase 'no aid until all Israeli prisoners return' has become a rallying cry for the movement, which has organized various protests, including the blocking of major roads in Israel and hindering aid trucks from reaching Gaza. They also initiated symbolic silent protests and targeted closures of entrances to international institutions.
The emergence of 'Order 9' coincided with heightened tensions over the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza in early 2024, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts. The idea for the movement crystallized during a demonstration on January 11, 2024, at the Kerem Shalom crossing, where participants expressed their belief that humanitarian aid to Gaza only serves to empower adversaries and prolong the conflict. The movement has rapidly gained traction, with its first recorded activity dating back to January 10, when Rihout Ben Chaim publicly voiced her opposition to the ongoing aid shipments to Gaza.
The implications of this movement reflect broader Israeli societal divisions regarding aid to Gaza, which is often viewed in the context of national security and the fate of Israeli hostages. As protests escalate, there may be increased tensions between differing public opinions on the necessity and consequences of delivering aid to regions perceived as hostile, raising critical questions about humanitarian efforts juxtaposed with nationalistic sentiments and security concerns in Israel.