IDF detains Israeli civilians who crossed into Syria, others who attempted to breach border

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detained several Israeli civilians on Friday for illegally crossing into Syrian territory. The group had crossed from the Majdal Shams area on Thursday and were subsequently transferred to the Israel Police for further processing. The military stated that these individuals were apprehended following a search operation.

In a separate incident on the same day, the IDF also detained multiple Israelis who attempted to cross into Syria from the Golan Heights. The military issued a strong condemnation of both the successful and attempted crossings, emphasizing that such actions divert IDF soldiers' attention from their operational activities and compromise security. The IDF considers these actions a criminal offense that endangers both civilians and soldiers.

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strongly condemns

These incidents highlight a growing problem for the IDF, with a recent increase in illegal border crossing attempts into Syria noted throughout July. Last week, activists from the right-wing "HaBashan Pioneers" movement were detained by the IDF after crossing into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon in an attempt to establish a Jewish settlement. Approximately 100 activists were involved in that incident on July 5.

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Such actions constitute a criminal offense that endangers civilians and IDF soldiers