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A group of Israeli civilians illegally crossed into southern Syria on Monday to hold a symbolic “cornerstone laying ceremony” for what they declared to be a new settlement named Neveh Habashan.
The move, coordinated by the Uri Tzafon movement, has raised both security and political concerns, as it unfolded without official authorization. According to the organization, the group consisted of families and young adults affiliated with an activist initiative calling itself the Pioneers of the Bashan.
Participants planted flowers, raised flags, and even established a memorial corner in honor of St.-Sgt. Yehudah Dror Yahalom, a Golani Reconnaissance Unit soldier who was killed in southern Lebanon in October 2024.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident, stating that several vehicles crossed into Syrian territory near the border before being intercepted. “The group was detained and returned to Israel for questioning,” the military told Walla. No violence was reported during the brief incursion.
Activists Declare Settlement “Neveh Habashan”
In a statement circulated via their WhatsApp group, the Pioneers of the Bashan announced the founding of Neveh Habashan, claiming it lies near Tell al-Hara, opposite the Israeli community of Alonei Habashan. They further asserted that the location sits within what was once considered a “buffer zone.”
“The Bashan is our ancestral land,” the activists wrote. “We see the empty expanses of our land calling us to return and settle it. We call on the Israeli government to remove the enemy from all areas of the Bashan and allow pioneers to settle there!”
The activists also emphasized that their ceremony had no military or governmental backing, underscoring the symbolic nature of the event. However, they expressed hope that their action would spark wider public support for Jewish settlement in the region.
Memorial for Fallen Soldier
The family of Yehudah Dror Yahalom, who fell during clashes in southern Lebanon less than a year ago, participated in the controversial event. They planted flowers and inaugurated a memorial corner in the nascent settlement, describing it as a tribute to his sacrifice.
“Our son fought for the security of Israel and the Jewish people,” the Yahalom family said in a statement. “It is fitting that his memory lives on in the land he gave his life for.”
Political and Security Repercussions
The unauthorized crossing into Syria highlights ongoing tensions surrounding settlement expansion and the volatile security environment along Israel’s northern frontier. While the activists frame their actions as a historical and spiritual return, critics argue the move risks further destabilizing already fragile borders.
At present, neither the Israeli government nor Syrian authorities have issued formal responses to the incident. However, analysts suggest the event underscores a growing grassroots push by settler activists to challenge both international borders and official state policy.
For now, Neveh Habashan exists only as a symbolic gesture, its future uncertain amid regional conflict and heightened security sensitivities.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members