IDF Detains HaBashan Pioneers Attempting Border Crossing into Syria

On 5 July 2026, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted a group of settlers from the HaBashan Pioneers as they attempted to cross from the Israel-Syria buffer zone into Syrian-controlled territory on Mount Hermon. Soldiers prevented the crossing, placed the activists in military custody and transferred them to the Israel Police for processing.

The Jerusalem PostIsrael thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

The HaBashan Pioneers, a right-wing settler organization, have repeatedly entered the border. In April 2026, forty members were detained after crossing into Syria; in May 2026, ten more were arrested. The area, Israel’s “security zone,” has remained under Israeli control since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Estimates of the July operation vary: the movement reports 100 activists, while Israeli broadcaster Kan cites 70 participants. The group argues that establishing civilian settlements would “cement Israeli control of the area” and prevent a security vacuum similar to that along the Lebanese border.

The Jerusalem PostIsrael thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

The IDF issued a statement calling the crossing a “serious incident that constitutes a crime and endangers IDF forces and civilian population.” A spokesperson added that the troops “strongly condemn this attempted crossing” and highlighted the rapid response that “prevented the crossing and arrested them.” The detainees were handed over to the Israel Police for processing.

Israel thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

HaBashan Pioneers claim the IDF used “severe violence” during the arrests, confiscated phones and ignored what they describe as “complete passivity” among the activists. The movement contends that without civilian settlement integrated into the military grip, Israel risks a situation “similar to that along the Lebanese border,” and urges the right-wing government to demonstrate that “Israel intends to stay.”

The Jerusalem PostIsrael thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

The two sources differ on the size of the group, with one citing “about 100” participants and the other “around 70.” The settlers’ allegation of “severe violence” is not corroborated by the IDF’s account, which describes the operation as a lawful interdiction. No independent eyewitness testimony is provided, leaving the exact nature of the force used unclear.

Israel thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

• “The IDF strongly condemns this attempted crossing,” — IDF spokesperson

Israel thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

• “a contingent of the IDF quickly went to the scene, prevented the crossing and arrested them,” — IDF spokesperson

Israel thwarts the crossing to Syria of dozens of settlers

• “ The activists claimed that the IDF used "severe violence" to detain them and confiscated their phones, despite "complete passivity" from the members.” — HaBashan Pioneers claim

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• “The right-wing government needs to show our enemies that Israel intends to stay.” — HaBashan Pioneers statement

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The Israel Police are expected to file charges against the detained settlers, and the IDF has signaled continued monitoring of the security zone to deter further incursions. Israeli authorities may also review settlement policy in the buffer area in response to the episode.

The Jerusalem Post