Fringe Israeli settler group sneaks into Syria

A fringe Israeli settler group known as the Pioneers of Bashan is staging frequent incursions into southwestern Syria, aiming to establish Jewish settlements. The group, formed last year, targets provinces Quneitra, Daraa and Sweida. The Israeli military sometimes intercepts them, but the activists have backing from far-right government members. The area includes a buffer zone Israel declared after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.