IDF detains Israelis who crossed Syrian border

The IDF detained several Israeli civilians on Friday for illegally crossing into Syrian territory, the military said, following a search operation.The Israelis, who had crossed from the Majdal Shams area on Thursday, were transferred to the Israel Police for further processing.Also on Friday, the IDF detained multiple Israelis who attempted to cross into Syria from the Golan Heights, the military added.The military said that it "strongly condemns" the crossings and attempted crossings, saying that such actions "divert IDF soldiers' attention from their ongoing operational activities and compromise security.""Such actions constitute a criminal offense that endangers civilians and IDF soldiers," the military added, noting that it expects disciplinary actions against the suspects on the part of the Israeli law enforcement authorities.Illegal crossings a growing problem for the IDFThe incidents follow several similar incidents throughout July, including as recently as Monday, when the IDF detained several Israelis following an attempted crossing in Syria.The IDF noted in its statement that it has identified a recent increase in illegal border crossing attempts into Syria, both successful and unsuccessful.Last week, right-wing "HaBashan Pioneers" movement activists attempted to cross the border in an attempt to establish a Jewish settlement in the area.About 100 such activists were detained by the IDF after crossing into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon on July 5.