Activists from the right-wing movement "HaBashan Pioneers" continued their efforts to promote Jewish civilian settlement in the security zone held by the IDF inside Syria on Wednesday and Thursday.
Following an attempt earlier this week to cross the Israel-Syria border, a group of activists once again climbed into the Mount Hermon area overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, in the newly controlled areas under IDF authority beyond the official border line, where they spent the entire night.
To prevent false security alerts or concerns about terrorist infiltration, the activists informed the IDF soldiers operating in the sector of their presence, but refrained from disclosing their precise location in the mountainous terrain.
The movement said it intends to remain there until a permanent foothold is established, conveying the message that, given current upheaval in Syria, efforts should already be made to establish civilian settlements in order to prevent future security deterioration.
Since its establishment, the movement has promoted an ideological agenda calling for the renewal of Jewish settlement in the Bashan region and the peak of the Hermon, taking advantage of the geopolitical changes and the new military presence in northern Israel and southern Syria.
HaBashan Pioneers repeatedly attempt to breach Syrian border
This is not the first time that activists from the movement, which was founded in April 2025, have challenged the security forces and crossed the border into Syrian territory.
Several similar incidents have been recorded in recent months, including a group of approximately 45 activists who barricaded themselves on the roof of a building on Independence Day on the outskirts of the Syrian town of Khader, and a group of teenagers who crossed the border during Hanukkah, entered the village of Bir al-Ajam, and spoke with local residents before being evacuated by the army.
These incidents join repeated attempts throughout 2025 to establish unauthorized outposts, cross the border in the Tel Saki and Bashanit Ridge areas, and conduct large group tours in the Mount Sion and tri-border region.
Defense officials warn of law violation
Officials in Israel's defense establishment and the IDF said following the previous incidents that civilians entering the security zone inside Syria are violating the law.
They described the area as a dangerous security "gray zone," warning that civilian presence in an active military and security area directly endangers both civilians and the forces dispatched to locate them.
They added that such incidents divert valuable operational attention away from defending the sector and carrying out routine security missions.
The HaBashan Pioneers movement stated that "This is a major step forward toward establishing a civilian presence. We call on the government ministers to follow the activists' lead and approve a permanent civilian foothold."