HaBashan Pioneers settler group crosses Syria border, spends night on Mount Hermon

Activists from the right-wing movement "HaBashan Pioneers" have again entered the Mount Hermon area in Syria, staying overnight in territory controlled by the IDF beyond the official border. The group aims to promote Jewish settlement in the region, citing geopolitical changes and the current upheaval in Syria as reasons to establish a permanent presence.

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Given current upheaval in Syria, efforts should already be made to establish civilian settlements in order to prevent future security deterioration.

To avoid causing false security alerts, the activists notified IDF soldiers of their presence but withheld their exact location. The movement stated its intention to remain in the area until a permanent foothold is established, emphasizing the need to create civilian settlements to prevent future security deterioration. This action aligns with the movement's ideological agenda, which calls for renewing Jewish settlement in the Bashan region and the Hermon peak.

This is not the first such incident involving the HaBashan Pioneers, founded in April 2025. Previous actions include barricading themselves on a building roof near the Syrian town of Khader and teenagers crossing the border during Hanukkah. These activities are part of repeated attempts throughout 2025 to establish unauthorized outposts and cross the border in various areas.

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Civilians entering the security zone inside Syria are violating the law.

Defense officials have warned that civilians entering the security zone inside Syria are violating the law. They described the area as a dangerous security "gray zone," cautioning that civilian presence in an active military and security area poses a direct danger to civilians.

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The area is a dangerous security "gray zone," warning that civilian presence in an active military and security area directly endangers both civilians.