Hadar: Dozens of Israeli settler activists crossed into Syria before being escorted out by the military, the Times of Israel reported on Wednesday. The group, consisting of right-wing activists, aimed to establish settlements in the border area of Syria under Israeli control. They reportedly barricaded themselves inside a building on the outskirts of the Syrian town of Hadar.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Israeli military reported that approximately 40 activists advanced several hundred meters into Syria before Israeli soldiers intervened, escorting them back and handing them over to the police. The military condemned the incident, labeling it a criminal offense that puts civilians and IDF troops at risk.
Israel has deployed soldiers to a UN-controlled buffer zone between the Golan Heights and Syrian-controlled territory following the fall of Syria's longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted Israel's determination to protect itself from border attacks and to prevent the settlement of extremists hostile to Israel in the area.
The Israeli military frequently targets sites in Syria, reportedly aiming to destroy weapons depots or military equipment. Efforts to establish a security agreement between Israel and Syria have yet to yield successful results.