The IDF said Sunday evening that earlier today, dozens of Israeli civilians attempted to cross the border into Syria. Troops prevented the crossing and detained the individuals, who were transferred to police. The military called the incident a serious criminal offense that endangered troops and civilians.
The IDF on Sunday evening condemned the attempt by dozens of Israeli civilians to cross into Syria and confirmed that those detained were handed over to police. The military labeled the incident a serious criminal offense. This update follows earlier reports that some 70 activists from the "Pioneers of Bashan" movement attempted to cross the border near Mount Hermon on Sunday afternoon. The IDF's 210th Division, acting on prior intelligence, intercepted the group and prevented the crossing.
At 22:22 Jerusalem, The Zioneer first reported the foiled attempt, citing journalist Itay Blumenthal's account of the activists' attempt. Within minutes, two additional versions of the same bulletin added the IDF's condemnation and the transfer of detainees to police. A subsequent bulletin at 22:26 Jerusalem confirmed the handover. The corroboration evolved from a single journalist report to an official military statement.
The incident comes amid elevated security along the Syria border. As The Zioneer reported on June 29, militants opened fire on Israeli troops in southern Syria, and the security establishment announced it would act to thwart threats from the eastern border. The Zioneer also reported on June 15 that Hezbollah attempted to kill Israeli soldiers on the northern border. No connection between this civilian crossing attempt and militant activity has been reported.
The exact location of the crossing attempt has not been specified beyond the border with Syria. The IDF has not disclosed the identities of the detainees or whether charges will be filed. The incident is under police handling.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake