The Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that two Israeli civilians crossed the border into Syria from the Mount Hermon area. IDF troops located them, returned them to Israeli territory, and handed them over to the Israel Police. The military condemned the incident as a criminal offense and called for legal proceedings.
The Israel Defense Forces reported Thursday that two Israeli civilians crossed the border into Syria from the Mount Hermon area. IDF troops located the individuals, returned them to Israeli territory, and handed them over to the Israel Police. The military condemned the incident as a criminal offense that endangers both civilians and troops and disrupts operational activity, and called for legal proceedings. This incident is the latest in a recurring pattern of attempted border crossings into Syria by Israeli civilians in recent weeks.
The Zioneer has tracked this story through multiple updates. At 12:19 Jerusalem, the IDF initially confirmed the crossing, then specified the location as Mount Hermon and condemned the act. Later updates identified the two as activists from the 'Bashan Pioneers' group. The military called for prosecution and confirmed the civilians were transferred to police. Earlier versions of the report indicated transfer to the Shin Bet, but the official statement cited police handling.
As The Zioneer reported on July 29, three Israeli civilians who crossed into Syria were detained and returned. On July 22, a similar attempt at Mount Hermon was prevented. On July 9, activists from the same group were detained overnight. The IDF has repeatedly warned that such crossings are illegal and dangerous and has called for legal action. The broader security situation on the northern border remains tense, with ongoing Hezbollah activity and ceasefire violations.
The identities of the two civilians have not been officially released, and no charges have been filed. The exact circumstances of the crossing and whether the individuals acted alone or as part of a coordinated effort remain unclear.
8 developments
- StrongIDF detained 70 'Bashan Pioneers' activists attempting to cross into Syria at Mount Hermon
- ConfirmedIDF detains settler activists after overnight attempt to cross into Syria at Mount Hermon
- StrongFive Bashan Pioneers activists arrested near Mount Hermon in border crossing attempt
- DevelopingTwo Bashan Rescue activists barred from Golan Heights for 45 days after crossing into Syria
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