IDF detains 14 HaBashan Pioneers attempting to infiltrate into Syria, establish settlements

On Tuesday, the IDF detained 14 Israeli citizens belonging to the extremist “Pioneers of Bashan” movement after they crossed into Syrian territory from the Golan Heights. The IDF returned them to Israel, condemning the incident as a “serious disruption to operational activity and danger to the security of IDF forces.” The movement, formed in April 2025, aims to establish Jewish-Israeli settlements in parts of southwestern Syria, claiming a historical right to the biblical region of Bashan. Amos Azaria, a leader, stated their intent to create a “humanitarian corridor” into Syria, asserting, “The entire Daraa district… must be cleared of the enemies seeking our destruction and instead be filled with Jewish settlement.” This marks at least the ninth such infiltration by the group.