Israeli army returns civilians after illegal crossing into Syria

The Israeli military said it detained and returned dozens of Israeli civilians who briefly crossed into Syrian territory on Wednesday, in an incident involving a group reportedly linked to a settler activist organisation.

According to the military, around 40 individuals gathered near Israel’s northern border before crossing into Syria and advancing several hundred metres inside the territory. Israeli forces intervened, brought the group back, and handed them over to police authorities for further action.

The army strongly condemned the incident, stating that the crossing constituted a criminal offence and posed a risk to both civilians and Israeli Defence Forces personnel. It described the act as a serious breach of security protocols in a sensitive border region.

Syrian Forces Enter Hasakeh Under Kurdish Integration Deal

Israeli media reported that the group was associated with the “Pioneers of Bashan,” a fringe settler organisation that advocates establishing Israeli settlements in southern Syria. The organisation reportedly shared images on social media showing activists positioned on rooftops in a Syrian border village near Mount Hermon, claiming their presence was intended to support long-term settlement ambitions.

The United Nations deputy special envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, condemned the incursion, calling it highly provocative and a violation of Syria’s sovereignty. He urged Israel to respect international agreements, including the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region following Israel’s increased military activity in Syria after political changes in Damascus in late 2024. Israel has expanded its presence in the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights and has carried out repeated air and ground operations inside Syrian territory.

Authorities say investigations into the civilians involved are ongoing, while security officials continue to monitor the situation along the northern border.