IDF again stops settlement activists trying to cross into Syria

Israeli settlement activists once again attempted to illegally cross the border into Syria today, before being stopped by the IDF.

The military says several Israeli civilians arrived in the Mount Hermon area in an attempt to cross the border.

“IDF troops operating at the scene prevented the civilians from advancing and detained them,” the military says, adding that they were handed over to the police.

The activists, who call themselves the Bashan Pioneers, call for the establishment of settlements in the southern Syria area. There has been an increase in attempts by the activists to cross the border into Syria in recent weeks.

“The IDF strongly condemns the incident, which constitutes another case of serious interference with operational activity in the border area. This is a criminal offense that endangers both the civilians and IDF troops,” the military says.

The IDF adds that it expects “law enforcement authorities to bring those involved to justice and act decisively to put an end to this recurring phenomenon, which repeatedly disrupts the forces’ operations.”

There have been no charges filed against the Bashan Pioneers members, and despite their illegal actions, they have also received support from some coalition lawmakers.