IDF detains about 100 settlers after crossing into Syrian side of Mount Hermon

The Israeli military detained over 100 activists from the HaBashan Pioneers settler movement after they crossed from the Israel-Syria buffer zone into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon. The IDF condemned the unauthorised border crossing, while the group accused soldiers of using excessive force during the operation.

The HaBashan Pioneers announced on Sunday that around 100 of its activists had been detained after entering the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

Later in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident and said it "strongly condemns the attempted border crossing".

The group alleged that IDF personnel used "severe violence" while detaining the activists and confiscated their mobile phones, despite what it described as the "complete passivity" of those involved.

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Movement pushes for Israeli settlement

The HaBashan movement said it has crossed the boundary "many times in the past" and reiterated its intention to establish an Israeli settlement in the area.

According to the group, "only settlement" would secure Israeli control of the region, while stressing the importance of the IDF's presence there.

The movement said its actions were prompted by what it described as attempted attacks by Syrian terrorists against Israeli communities in the Golan Heights, including within the buffer zone.

"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," HaBashan stated.

Group says settlement is needed

The organisation said it deliberately positioned its members in a mountainous area to make evacuation more difficult while emphasising that it wanted to avoid violence.

"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 statement continued. "The right-wing government needs to show our enemies that Israel intends to stay."

"Eventually we will also reach Daraa, Quneitra and Abedin," it added.

Previous incidents

The latest incident follows similar crossings earlier this year.

In May, 10 HaBashan members were detained after crossing the Israel-Syria border, with the IDF warning that such actions endanger both Israeli soldiers and civilians.

In April, 40 members of the movement were detained after travelling several hundred metres into Syria, an act the Israel Police described as "prohibited and dangerous".