The IDF said Monday evening it detained several Israeli settler activists from the 'Bashan Pioneers' group who attempted to illegally cross the border into Syria in the southern Golan Heights. The military condemned the incident as a criminal offense that endangers civilians and disrupts operational activities, and called for prosecution. The activists were handed over to police for questioning.
The IDF on Monday evening at 22:21 Jerusalem time detained several activists from the 'Bashan Pioneers' group who attempted to illegally cross the border into Syria in the southern Golan Heights, the military said. The troops prevented the crossing and transferred the detainees to police. The IDF condemned the incident as a criminal offense that endangers civilians and disrupts operational activities, and called for prosecution. This marks the third such attempt in recent days, following two earlier incidents at Mount Hermon.
The Zioneer reported on July 6 at 00:47 Jerusalem that the IDF detained 70 Bashan Pioneers activists attempting to cross into Syria at Mount Hermon. On July 9 at 16:39 Jerusalem, the IDF reported another detention of settler activists at the same location. Earlier on Monday, at 19:29 Jerusalem, a Bashan Pioneers activist gave an interview from Syrian territory, stating the group advocates for permanent Israeli presence in the region. The IDF's statement on Monday denounced the activists' actions as diverting commanders and soldiers from their mission.
The Bashan Pioneers group advocates for establishing Israeli communities in southern Syria. The Zioneer has reported on their activities repeatedly, including the earlier incidents at Mount Hermon. The IDF has consistently warned that such crossings are illegal and endanger both civilians and military personnel.
The exact number of detainees and their identities have not yet been officially released. It remains unclear whether criminal charges will be pursued against the activists. The group's future plans, despite the repeated detentions, are not known.
4 developments
Source and signal
- Internal intake