The IDF detained several Israeli settlers on Wednesday after they attempted to cross from the Mount Hermon area into Syrian territory; the group was handed over to Israel Police and the military said it was their third attempt. The IDF called the crossings a "criminal offense" that endangers civilians and forces. A KAN News report said IDF troops nearly fired on members of the same group two weeks earlier before recognizing them as observant Jews, and that drone strikes had been considered.
IDF Detains Israeli Settlers After Third Attempt To Cross Into Syrian Territory
Israeli soldiers seen in the Golan Heights, northern Israel, on February 8, 2024; Illustrative. (photo credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)
Several Israeli settlers were detained by the Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday after attempting to cross from the Mount Hermon area into Syrian territory, the military said. The group was transferred to the Israel Police for further processing; the military added that this was the group's third such attempt.
The IDF said it "strongly condemns" the attempted crossing and described it as a "criminal offense that endangers civilians and IDF forces."
The detention follows a KAN News report that, two weeks earlier, IDF forces had nearly fired on five members of the same group near the Syrian border amid suspicions they might have been a terrorist cell seeking to infiltrate Israel. According to KAN, troops had considered targeting the individuals with Elbit Hermes 450 "Zik" drones before identifying them as observant Jews because of their peyot (side curls).
A member of the HaBashan Pioneers movement puts on tefillin on Mount Hermon, July 9, 2026. (credit: HaBashan Pioneers)
Activists from the HaBashan Pioneers movement, who have sought to establish Jewish settlements in Syrian territory, have been involved in multiple separate attempts to cross the border in recent weeks. Several members of the movement were arrested following those incidents.
The military also reported that, on Friday, it detained several Israeli civilians who had illegally crossed into Syrian territory from the Majdal Shams area after an overnight search operation.
Background: Border crossings into Syria are considered highly dangerous and unpredictable, with the potential to put civilians and military personnel at risk. The IDF has emphasized law enforcement and operational safety in its response to repeated attempts.
Ruby Sadikman contributed to this report.
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