Israeli Right-Wing Activists Cross Into Syrian Golan to Promote Jewish Settlement

Two Israeli activists from the right-wing movement "Pioneers of Bashan," which advocates for Jewish settlement in Syria, have been present in the Syrian Golan Heights since late night, near the town of Khadr. Their presence is part of ongoing efforts to establish facts on the ground within the IDF-held security zone. This follows similar actions last week when activists spent a full night on Mount Hermon, an area under Israeli control beyond the border, aiming to advance civilian Jewish settlement or what they call "renewing settlement in Bashan."

The activists have declared their intention to repeat these incursions until they secure a permanent foothold. They argue that due to the instability in Syria, it is crucial to invest now in establishing civilian settlements to prevent future security deterioration. Founded in April 2025, the movement challenges Israeli security forces by repeatedly crossing into Syrian territory. They promote an ideological agenda to renew Jewish settlement in the Bashan region and the Hermon area, leveraging geopolitical shifts and new military presence in the north.

Several similar incidents occurred recently, including about 45 activists occupying a rooftop near Khadr on Israeli Independence Day and a group of youths crossing into the Syrian village of Bir al-Ajam during Hanukkah, engaging with locals before being evacuated by the military. These events are part of repeated 2025 attempts to establish outposts and conduct large group patrols in areas such as Tel Saki, the Bashanit ridge, Mount Shion, and the tri-border area.

A parallel group named "Awakening North" operates with a similar agenda focused on southern Lebanon, advocating for Jewish settlements there to ensure long-term security for the Galilee. Members of this group have also crossed into Lebanese territory. Israeli defense and military officials have condemned these unauthorized border crossings, emphasizing that civilian entry into the Syrian security zone is illegal and extremely dangerous. They warn that such actions endanger both civilians and soldiers, diverting critical military resources from defense and routine security operations.