The IDF spokesperson reported that about 15 Israeli civilians arrived at the Ghajar area yesterday, damaged the border fence, and crossed into Lebanese territory. IDF and Border Police forces located them and returned them to Israel. The civilians were handed over to police for further investigation. The IDF condemned the incident as a serious interference with operational activity and a danger to troops, calling for the legal process to be exhausted.
The IDF on Thursday morning reiterated its condemnation of the border breach, as police prepared to seek an extension of detention for 11 of the detainees, including six minors, according to Army Radio. The group, identified as activists from the Uri Tzafon movement, crossed into Lebanon near Ghajar on Wednesday evening.
Initial reports on Wednesday evening stated that approximately 10 Israeli civilians, mostly girls, crossed the border near the Wazzani Springs and remained in Lebanese territory for about two hours, according to the Uri Tzafon movement. The group stated its aim was to promote Jewish settlement in Lebanon. The IDF later confirmed that 15 civilians had crossed and damaged the border fence. All were located and returned to Israel, handed over to police. The military condemned the incident as a criminal offense endangering troops and disrupting operational activity, and called for the legal process to be exhausted.
The incident is the latest in a series of unauthorized border crossings along the northern frontier. As The Zioneer reported, in July, Israeli civilians were prevented from crossing into Syria at Mount Hermon. The IDF has consistently condemned such breaches as dangerous.
The legal proceedings against the detainees are ongoing, with a court hearing expected later today.
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