Israeli Activists Detained in Syria Returned to Israel

Fourteen right-wing activists from the "Halutzei HaBashan" movement were detained by IDF soldiers after crossing into Syrian territory and subsequently returned to Israel. The group reportedly entered Syria on Tuesday. The "Halutzei HaBashan" movement, established in April 2025, advocates for the creation of Jewish settlements in the historical region of Bashan. The movement believes that military presence alone is insufficient to secure the area and that establishing Israeli settlements is necessary for permanent control.

The activists' incursion and subsequent detention highlight the group's commitment to its settlement goals. The IDF's actions underscore the military's role in preventing unauthorized border crossings and maintaining security protocols, even when dealing with Israeli citizens involved in activism.