The IDF said Thursday it detained several Israeli settler activists who attempted to illegally cross the border into Syria overnight in the Mount Hermon area. The military condemned the incident as a criminal offense that endangers civilians and disrupts operational activities, and called for prosecution. The activists, part of the 'Bashan Pioneers' group, have made similar attempts in recent days.
Overnight Thursday, several Israeli settler activists attempted to cross the border into Syria at Mount Hermon, the IDF reported. Troops stationed in the area prevented the crossing and detained the civilians, who were then handed over to police for questioning. The IDF strongly condemned the incident, calling it a criminal offense that endangers civilians and disrupts operational activities. The activists have now been identified as members of the 'Bashan Pioneers' group, which advocates for establishing Israeli settlements in Syria.
The overnight attempt is the latest in a series of similar incidents. The Zioneer reported on Monday (Jul 6, 17:00 Jerusalem) that six Israelis were arrested after crossing into Syria at the same location. Later that evening, the IDF confirmed detaining additional civilians, marking the second, third, and fourth consecutive days of such attempts. On Sunday, the IDF detained 70 activists from the Bashan Pioneers group, also attempting to cross into Syria, as The Zioneer reported at the time.
The Bashan Pioneers have received support from coalition lawmakers. The IDF has repeatedly condemned the actions as endangering lives and disrupting operational activity, and has called for the prosecution of those involved. The military has emphasized that such actions divert commanders and soldiers from their mission.
The number of detainees in the latest incident has not been specified. The group's next steps remain unclear.
7 developments
- StrongIDF detained 70 'Bashan Pioneers' activists attempting to cross into Syria at Mount Hermon
- DevelopingIDF, Ministry of Defense confirm arrest of suspect in attempted ramming near Beit Omar
- StrongIDF rescues Israeli civilians from Qalqilya, criticizes unauthorized entry into Area A
- StrongIDF detains suspect near Kerem Shalom crossing after alert, no infiltration into Israel
Source and signal
- Internal intake