Published date: 26 June 2026 08:22 BST
Emboldened by decades of violence and impunity in the occupied West Bank, settlers are now attempting to extend their reach into southern Syria
Halutzei HaBashan activists call for the construction of settlements in Syria in April 2026 (X)
Since the 2024 collapse of the Assad government and the subsequent expansion of Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights beyond the 1974 ceasefire line into southern Syria, a number of right-wing groups have advocated the establishment of Jewish settlements on this land.
Among the most prominent is Halutzei HaBashan (“Pioneers of Bashan”), a movement launched last year by settlers from the occupied West Bank. Taking advantage of the Israeli military’s incursions, they have been calling for the construction of Israeli settlements in southwestern Syria, an area they call the Bashan region, which they view as part of the historic “Land of Israel”.
In addition to organising marches into Syrian territory and attempting to establish new facts on the ground, the group has demanded protection from Israeli occupation forces, despite occasional clashes.
The first documented incursion by settlers from Halutzei HaBashan occurred in August 2025, when they announced the establishment of Neveh HaBashan (“Oasis of Bashan”) - even laying a foundation stone in the Quneitra countryside. Israeli soldiers ultimately intervened and removed the group’s members.
Another notable attempt took place last November, when settlers associated with the movement crossed the 1974 ceasefire line into the Syrian village of Bir Ajam, and declared their intention to establish a settlement there.
