IDF detains three settler activists who breached Syrian border

The IDF detained three Israeli activists from the HaBashan Pioneers settler movement after they breached the Syrian border in the Mount Hermon area on Tuesday. The activists were returned to Israeli territory and handed over to police. The IDF strongly condemned the incident, calling it a criminal offense. This is the fourth recent attempt by the group to cross into Syria.

The IDF detained three Israeli activists from the HaBashan Pioneers settler movement after they breached the Syrian border in the Mount Hermon area on Tuesday. The military announced the detention on Wednesday, noting that the activists were returned to Israeli territory and handed over to police. The IDF strongly condemned the incident, calling it a criminal offense and emphasizing that police are required to pursue justice to disincentivize further actions. This is the fourth recent attempt by the group to cross into Syria. The HaBashan Pioneers have been trying to establish Jewish settlements in Syria, with several arrested in recent weeks. On July 22, the IDF detained activists prior to a successful breach. On July 21, five members were targeted by IDF drones before being identified as Israelis.