2 Druze who crossed into Syria are arrested as they return to Israel with rifle

A Kalashnikov rifle and accompanying magazine seized by police from two Druze Israelis who, after crossing the border into Syria, tried to reenter Israel while armed on July 17, 2025. (Israel Police)
A Kalashnikov rifle and accompanying magazine seized by police from two Druze Israelis who, after crossing the border into Syria, tried to reenter Israel while armed on July 17, 2025. (Israel Police)

Police say they arrested two Druze Israelis at the Syrian border earlier today as they tried to reenter Israeli territory with a Kalashnikov rifle.

The two young men — ages 18 and 20 from the villages of Kisra and Beit Jann — had crossed into Syria yesterday along with around 1,000 other Israeli Druze seeking to rescue their coreligionists from attacks by Bedouin tribes and regime forces.

Police say that they have patched up breaches on the Israel-Syria border and are currently working with local Druze leaders to facilitate the return of Israelis who crossed into Syria, and vice versa.

“Northern District officers, together with Border Police forces and other units, have been operating since yesterday in coordination with the IDF in response to recent events in the Golan Heights,” says a police spokesman.

Police detained the two young men for questioning, seizing the rifle and magazine, and will request an extension on their remand in court, the spokesman continues.

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