IDF Detains 100 Settler Activists After Mount Hermon Crossing Into Syria
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 5
IDF Detains 100 Settler Activists After Mount Hermon Crossing Into Syria
2 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 5
Summary
About 100 HaBashan Pioneers activists were detained after crossing from the Israel-Syria buffer zone into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, in one of the group's largest such incursions.
The IDF said it strongly condemns the attempted border crossing, while the activists alleged severe violence during the arrests and said soldiers confiscated their phones.
HaBashan said it aims to establish an Israeli settlement in the area, arguing civilian settlement is needed to cement Israeli control amid attempted attacks by Syrian militants near Golan Heights communities.
The group said it deliberately chose mountainous terrain to complicate evacuation and has crossed the boundary repeatedly; in April 40 members were detained and in May another 10 were held.