Dozens of activists from the Bashan Pioneers organization crossed the border into Syria today (Wednesday) and barricaded themselves on the roof of a house in the Syrian village of Khadr at the foot of Mount Hermon.
The IDF reported that these were about 40 activists who crossed 500 meters into Syrian territory, were returned to Israel - and handed over to the police.
This is not the first time that a group from the organization, which enjoys the support of MKs in the coalition and the "Nahla" movement, has crossed the border illegally.
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Crossing into Syrian territory: Documentation of dozens of activists from the "Pioneers of Bashan" organization who are currently barricading themselves on a roof on the outskirts of the Syrian village of Khadr at the foot of Mount Hermon | Watch >>>@rubih67 pic.twitter.com/k5w1NbCQd9
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The Bashan Pioneers movement stated: "If, for example, we had settled in Lebanon during the time of Begin and Shamir, Barak would not have been able to drive the IDF away so easily, and we would not be shedding the blood of our soldiers there again now. The right-wing government must take advantage of the days it has left to determine facts on the ground.".
The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated: "Approximately 40 Israeli citizens gathered near the border fence with Syria. After a few minutes, they crossed the fence and moved hundreds of meters into Syrian territory. An IDF force operating at the point returned all of the citizens to the country's territory and arrested them at the point. The citizens who were arrested were transferred to the Israel Police for further processing.".
"The IDF strongly condemns the incident and emphasizes that this is a serious incident that constitutes a criminal offense that endangers civilians and IDF forces.".
