[9] Its name is in reference to 'Order 8', an emergency mobilization order for Israeli reservists that was activated on October 7, 2023, the day of the Hamas massacre in Israel's south.
Hundreds of members of Tsav 9 and another group, Mothers of IDF Soldiers, blockaded 60 aid trucks from Egypt, forcing 51 of them to return.
[8] It also claims to represent city, kibbutz, and village residents; including those who were evacuated, released reservists and the families of fallen soldiers.
A recurring belief in the group is that up to 70% of humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza is taken by Hamas, an assessment made by the head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar.
[20] Among its critics are Haaretz journalist Dahlia Scheindlin, who called the opposition to aid "grotesque...Tzav 9 claims to represent a cross section of Israeli society, especially the families of hostages, but videos from the protests showed that many wore the distinct clothing of far-right religious activists.
The segment who represent family members of hostages believe that starving the whole population in Gaza is the most effective means of securing the captives' release.
[11] The group's attacks on trucks near Hebron on 13 May received condemnation from US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who called its behavior "completely and utterly unacceptable".
We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who attempt or undertake such heinous acts, and we expect and urge that Israeli authorities do the same...The Department is sanctioning Tzav 9 pursuant to section 1 (a)(i)(A) of Executive Order (E.O.)
The report was later confirmed by Meta Platforms, who said that they were suspended for violating its Coordinating Harm Policy, which states that "users cannot facilitate, organize, promote, or admit criminal activities."
[29] The group, shocked by the sanctions, stated that "It is a fatal blow to the families who aim to stop the aid to the enemy Hamas in time of war," and claimed that they went against American and liberal values.