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 on Wednesday.
However, an earlier report from Army Radio said the activists were only in Syrian territory for several hours on Wednesday morning before being located by the IDF.
The activists were returned to Israeli territory and handed over to police, the IDF said, noting that the military “strongly condemns” such incidents as they disrupt operations and create a dangerous situation for all involved.
The IDF emphasized that police are required to pursue justice for the activists’ “criminal offense” in order to disincentivize further similar actions.
This is a developing story.