IDF says Druze residents of Israel were violent toward troops as they broke through border to Syria overnight

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF troops are seen deployed to the Syrian border near the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, early July 19, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)
IDF troops are seen deployed to the Syrian border near the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, early July 19, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF confirms that dozens of Druze residents of Israel broke through the border into Syria overnight, while “acting violently” toward Israeli troops.

The military says troops and Border Police officers tried to disperse a “violent gathering” of dozens of Druze residents of Israel on the Syrian border.

“After the gathering, the civilians crossed the border fence into Syrian territory near Majdal Shams, while acting violently toward the forces,” the military says.

The IDF says it “views violence of any kind against its personnel and the security forces gravely,” adding that it “emphasizes that crossing the border to Syria constitutes a criminal offense and endangers the public as well as IDF troops.”

The military says forces continue to operate to return the civilians to Israel.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.