Documentation of pursuit into Lebanon and kidnapping fears: "An hour in a car and they are in Damascus"
The IDF states that activist infiltrations into Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza are diverting forces from operational missions. Reservists called up from leave to search for infiltrators are frustrated by the lack of government and judicial response.
The IDF views attempts by settlement activists to infiltrate across the country's borders with extreme severity. What began with actions in the Gaza Strip has spread to the Syrian and Lebanese borders. Yesterday, 15 Israeli citizens, mostly young women, were intercepted after crossing the Lebanese border near Ghajar.
The incident occurred while the IDF was simultaneously responding to a deadly explosion in Majdal Zoun, which claimed the lives of a company commander and a combat medic. The army stated that these infiltrations do not merely pose a personal risk to the participants but cause a critical diversion of forces during ongoing operations. Large units, including the 91st Division's "Sayeret Dvora" commando unit, were scrambled to locate the individuals. One of the women remained in Lebanese territory for approximately four hours.
"This event is getting out of control. You prepare a force for a mission, and then you get sucked into this for hours, causing the mission to be postponed or aborted. It is a direct blow to security," explained a senior officer in the Northern Command. Military sources noted that such actions provide the enemy with intelligence regarding force deployment and response times.
Security officials highlighted the grave danger involved. "Imagine if one of them is kidnapped into Syria or Lebanon. Where would that drag the country? They are risking stepping on explosive devices or encountering terrorists. A short hour in a Syrian civilian car, and they could end up in the middle of Damascus," a source stated.
The IDF harshly criticized the police for failing to create deterrence. "We arrest them and hand them over, but they are released the same day. There are no indictments, no financial consequences. It turns the activist into a hero who takes photos in the police car, and nothing happens," an officer noted.
Residents of Ghajar village, who witnessed the pursuit, were stunned. "They jumped down from the 'Peace Lookout.' It is very dangerous; they are acting crazier than us," one resident told Ynet.
The police rejected the IDF's claims, stating that investigation files are being transferred to the prosecution, but courts frequently release suspects shortly after arrest. The police emphasized that a coordinated effort between all law enforcement and judicial bodies is required to stop this irresponsible phenomenon.
