Israeli Activists Move to Establish Civilian Settlement on Mount Hermon in Golan Heights

Around 100 activists from the "Pioneers of Bashan" movement are currently crossing the old border into the "Hermon Crown" area, a zone under Israeli military control, with the goal of establishing a civilian Israeli settlement. This group has previously crossed into the buffer zone along the Golan Heights several times since Israel entered the area. The activists argue that only civilian settlement can solidify and secure Israeli control over the territory.

Their current action follows recent violent incidents in the Syrian arena, including the killing of an armed terrorist cell by the IDF's Etzioni Brigade last Saturday, which was en route to attack Golan communities. Later that day, clashes erupted in the village of Abedin and an IDF force at the Tel Kodna outpost in the buffer zone was attacked, with gunfire exchanged. The activists view these events as signs of gradual erosion of Israeli control due to hostile populations and militants in the area.

Adhering to their nonviolent policy, the activists chose to enter the difficult mountainous terrain in a large group to prevent eviction. They stated, "There is a critical mass of people here, and through this mass we will remain. We entered here, and eventually we will reach Daraa, Quneitra, and Abedin." The movement warned that without combining military presence with civilian settlement, Israel risks ending up in a situation similar to the post-Operation Peace for Galilee security zone in Lebanon. They called on the right-wing government to demonstrate to Israel's enemies that the country intends to stay in the area, concluding, "This is how you speak Arabic."