A fringe group of Israeli settlers, known as 'Pioneers of Bashan,' has been making regular incursions into southern Syria with the aim of establishing Jewish settlements. The Israeli military is tasked with preventing these crossings, which they say compromise security operations.
These incursions by a fringe settler group into Syrian territory, supported by some elements within the Israeli government, raise geopolitical tensions and complicate Israel's security operations in a volatile region.
A fringe group of Israeli settlers, known as 'Pioneers of Bashan,' has been making regular incursions into southern Syria with the aim of establishing Jewish settlements. The Israeli military has intercepted and removed dozens of activists attempting to cross into Syria, stating that these actions divert troops and compromise security operations.
The group, formed early last year, is named after the biblical region of Bashan and targets areas in southwestern Syria, including the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida. Members claim historical rights to these lands and argue that settlement would help Israel defend the occupied Golan Heights. Some also suggest that establishing settlements could protect members of the Druze religious minority following sectarian violence.
Amos Azaria, a leader of Pioneers of Bashan and a computer science professor at Ariel University, stated the group aims to establish a 'humanitarian corridor' and clear the Daraa district of 'enemies' to be replaced by Jewish settlement. The group seeks to establish a Jewish outpost adjacent to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, a term used by settlers for initial footholds that may later be legalized by the government.
Videos shared by the group show Israeli soldiers detaining and removing activists. The Israeli military confirmed it detains civilians crossing the border and hands them over to police, expecting law enforcement to pursue justice, though no indictments have been filed to date. The group claims support from government ministers, including Amihai Eliyahu and Shlomo Karhi, and members of the Knesset.
Syrian officials have not publicly commented on the settler attempts but have consistently condemned Israel's occupation of southern Syria and called for withdrawal.