Two Israeli right-wing activists affiliated with the “Halutzei HaBashan” movement crossed into Syrian territory overnight and remained for hours near the outskirts of the Druze town of Khader, according to Hebrew media reports.

The activists are part of a movement advocating for renewed Jewish settlement in areas of southern Syria currently under Israeli military control. The group says it is attempting to establish “facts on the ground” in what it views as a future area for civilian Jewish communities.

The incident comes just one week after another group of activists from the movement spent the night in the Mount Hermon area beyond the international border, also declaring their intention to promote renewed Jewish settlement in the Bashan region.

Founded in April 2025, the movement has repeatedly challenged Israeli authorities by crossing into Syrian territory and calling for permanent Israeli civilian communities in areas captured by the IDF. Similar incidents have included activists occupying a building near Khader on Israel’s Independence Day and other unauthorized crossings into Syrian villages.

A separate movement, known as “Uri Tzafon,” has promoted similar efforts in southern Lebanon, arguing that civilian settlements—not just military buffer zones—are necessary to ensure long-term security for northern Israel.

Israeli security officials have repeatedly condemned the border crossings, stressing that entering the security zone inside Syria is illegal and poses a serious danger. Military officials warn that such actions endanger both the civilians involved and the IDF forces that may be required to rescue them, diverting resources from operational security missions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)