Israeli settler incursions into southern Syria

The fringe Israeli settler group known as the Pioneers of Bashan has been attempting to establish Jewish settlements in southwestern Syrian provinces, including Quneitra, Daraa, Sweida, and the summit of Mount Hermon. The group claims a historical-biblical right to the land and argues that such settlements would assist in defending the Golan Heights.

In late July 2026, Israeli troops preparing a nighttime strike in southern Syria paused their operation after identifying their targets as members of the Pioneers of Bashan rather than Syrian militants. By mid-August 2026, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) located and escorted three civilians from the movement back into Israeli territory after they crossed the international border near Mount Hermon. These individuals were detained and transferred to the Israel Police for investigation. The movement, which seeks to establish a civilian outpost called ‘Tal Hermon,’ noted that members have been detained and evacuated from the site on several previous occasions.