Settler activists again try to cross into Syria, are detained

Overnight, several Israeli settler activists attempted to illegally cross the border into Syria in the Mount Hermon area.

The military says troops stationed in the area prevented the civilians from crossing the border and detained them. They were then handed over to police for further questioning.

“The IDF strongly condemns this incident, which follows several similar incidents in recent days, and emphasizes that such actions constitute a criminal offense that endangers civilians,” the military says.

The IDF says the actions of the settler activists “disrupt IDF operational activities and the security in the area, and divert the attention of commanders and soldiers from their mission.”

“The IDF expects law enforcement authorities to bring those involved to justice and to act decisively to prevent such incidents,” the army adds.

The activists, who called themselves the Bashan Pioneers, have attempted to enter Syria multiple times in the past year while calling to establish settlements in the area. They have received support from coalition lawmakers.