MOUNT HERMON — Approximately 100 activists from the HaBashan Pioneers settler movement were detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on July 5, 2026. The detentions occurred after the activists crossed from the Israel-Syria buffer zone into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

The HaBashan Pioneers announced the detentions on July 6, 2026. The organization stated that the IDF used "severe violence" during the detentions and confiscated their phones. They claimed there was "complete passivity" from their members during the process.

The group stated that they have crossed the boundary "many times in the past" and that their intention is to establish an Israeli settlement in the area. The HaBashan Pioneers stated their belief that "only settlement" would cement Israeli control of the area. They also stated that their actions come "amid attempted attacks by Syrian terrorists against Israeli communities in the Golan Heights."

HaBashan stated, "The events appear to be part of a slow but consistent deterioration and erosion of Israeli control in these areas by the terrorists and the hostile population in the area." The activists intentionally positioned themselves in a mountainous area, stating this was to make evacuation difficult. They also conveyed a wish to avoid violence.

The group indicated that civilian settlement integration into military control is necessary. HaBashan stated, "If we do not integrate civilian settlement into the military grip, we may find ourselves in a situation similar to that along the Lebanese border." The HaBashan Pioneers also stated that "Eventually we will also reach Daraa, Quneitra and Abedin."

Prior incidents also involved members of the HaBashan Pioneers. In May 2026, ten of its members were detained after crossing the Israel-Syria border. Forty HaBashan members were detained in April 2026 after traveling several hundred meters into Syria. The Israel Police described the April crossing as "prohibited and dangerous." The IDF emphasized at the time the danger the HaBashan movement's actions pose to Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Why It Matters

This series of events involves repeated actions by a settler movement crossing international boundaries into Syrian-controlled territory, leading to detentions by the Israeli military. The HaBashan Pioneers' stated goal is to establish new Israeli settlements in these areas, citing a belief that such actions are necessary to maintain Israeli control amid perceived security threats from Syrian terrorists and a "hostile population." These activities have occurred multiple times in recent months, with the IDF and Israel Police previously describing such crossings as dangerous.