Story perspectives

IDF Returns Two Bashan Activists After Illegal Syria Crossing

7/30/2026

Summary

IDF Returns Activists

The IDF returned two Bashan Pioneers activists who illegally crossed from Mount Hermon into Syria on Thursday.
The IDF detained them, handed them to the Israel Police, and called the crossing a serious disruption that endangers troops.
The Jerusalem Post said more than 150 suspects were caught in 16 civilian crossing attempts, five activists remain in custody while others were released after questioning, and no charges have been filed.

Summary

Azaria Calls Corridor

Amos Azaria, computer-science professor, says the Pioneers of Bashan want a humanitarian corridor to Sweida by clearing Sunni villages to protect Druze after last year’s killings.
The group met cabinet ministers Amihai Eliyahu and Shlomo Karhi, claiming support from government allies and Knesset members.
Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri warned on X that dismissing settlers ignores West Bank origins, while Syrian officials condemned Israel’s occupation and called for action.

History

Historical Context

After the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel and Syria signed the May 31 1974 Disengagement Agreement, establishing a 235 km² UNDOF buffer along an 80-km line and returning prisoners by early June. Today, IDF troops detained Bashan Pioneers activists crossing Mount Hermon, prompting Israeli police and ministers Amihai Eliyahu and Shlomo Karhi to invoke the 1974 cease-fire framework and UNDOF oversight.

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IDF Returns Activists

The IDF returned two Bashan Pioneers activists who illegally crossed from Mount Hermon into Syria on Thursday.
The IDF detained them, handed them to the Israel Police, and called the crossing a serious disruption that endangers troops.
The Jerusalem Post said more than 150 suspects were caught in 16 civilian crossing attempts, five activists remain in custody while others were released after questioning, and no charges have been filed.

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