The IDF said Friday evening that several Israeli civilians crossed into Syria near Majdal Shams on Thursday, the fourth such attempt in recent days and the first to succeed. The civilians remained in Syrian territory for about a full day before being located and detained by IDF forces on Friday evening. The military also prevented additional crossing attempts in the southern Golan Heights on Friday, condemned the incidents as a criminal offense, and called for prosecution.
The IDF confirmed Friday evening that a group of Israeli civilians crossed into Syria near Majdal Shams on Thursday, marking the fourth attempt by Israeli civilians to enter Syrian territory in recent days and the first to succeed. The civilians spent about 24 hours in Syrian territory before being located and detained by IDF troops on Friday evening, according to the military statement. The IDF also said it prevented additional crossing attempts in the southern Golan Heights earlier Friday.
The incident is the latest in a series of border-crossing attempts by Israeli civilians, some of whom have been identified with the 'Bashan Pioneers' activist group, which advocates for Israeli settlement in the Syrian Golan. The IDF has condemned the attempts as a criminal offense that diverts military resources from operational activities and endangers life.
The IDF reiterated its call for law enforcement to prosecute those involved, noting that previous suspects were released without charges. The military said it expects decisive action to prevent further incidents.
10 developments
- ConfirmedIDF detains 'Bashan Pioneers' settlers attempting to cross into Syria in southern Golan Heights
- ConfirmedIDF detains settler activists after overnight attempt to cross into Syria at Mount Hermon
- ConfirmedMilitants open fire on Israeli troops in southern Syria; no casualties
- DevelopingIDF estimates incident near Syria border approaching conclusion
Source and signal
- Internal intake