The 13 detained Israelis crossed through the Golan Heights into Syria before being apprehended.

The IDF detained 13 Israelis who crossed into Syrian territory from the Golan Heights after breaching the border in two separate locations, according to a statement released by the IDF on Thursday evening.

Upon receiving reports of the breach, IDF forces responded and located the Israelis, resulting in a brief clash before the eight individuals were detained and returned to Israeli territory.

The suspects were then handed over to the Israel Police for interrogation, according to the IDF.

At one breach site, eight suspects damaged a border fence as they infiltrated. Israel Police reported that the eight are suspected of having committed several offenses against an IDF soldier during the process of their arrest.

Army Radio reported that circular saws were used to cut holes in a border fence opposite the Israeli town of Alonei Habashan.

An Israeli man is seen crossing the Israeli border into southern Syria, on November 27, 2025 (VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

Five additional suspects were arrested at the other breach site on Mount Hermon.

Israel Police announced that further decisions regarding the detention of the suspects will depend on “the development and findings of the investigation.”

The IDF condemned the incident, clarifying that the crossing of the border “constitutes a criminal offense that endangers civilians and IDF troops.”

The Israel Police released a statement reminding the public that the crime of crossing the border into Syria or Lebanon is punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

August border breach foiled

In August, the same organized group of Israeli civilians illegally breached the Syria-Israel border and attempted to perform a cornerstone-laying ceremony with the intention of creating a settlement in Syrian territory.

That group was identified as the “Pioneers of the Bashan,” an activist organization made up of families and young adults.

The IDF similarly responded to the August incident, pursuing the attempted settlers, detaining them, and bringing them back to Israeli territory for questioning.

This is a developing story.