Report: Israeli soldiers smuggled herd of 250 goats from Syria to West Bank farms; IDF took punitive action

A group of IDF soldiers operating in Syria two weeks ago stole a herd of some 250 goats and smuggled them into West Bank farmlands, Channel 12 reports, citing information obtained from law enforcement authorities.

A battalion from the Golan Brigade, operating in the Golan Heights, was conducting a mission inside Syrian territory when it identified the herd — belonging to Syrian farmers — and brought it into Israeli territory, according to the report. The goats were then reportedly loaded onto trucks that were apparently prepared in advance, and transported to several farms in illegal outposts in the West Bank.

The IDF says in a statement to the network that as a result of the incident — which was not authorized in real time — the team commander was dismissed from service, the company commander received a reprimand, and the team itself was suspended for a significant period.

The incident came to light the morning after the herd was smuggled, when farmers in the Golan Heights spotted dozens of goats wandering along the road and reported it to the army, prompting an investigation. The goats are reportedly still being searched for — around 200 of them are believed to be roaming in Israel, unmarked and unvaccinated, while the remainder of the herd is scattered inside Syrian territory.

The IDF adds that “the incident is known and is being handled by the relevant commanders.”