Israel-Syria border
צילום: AP
Report: Syrian civilian infiltrated Israel
IDF apprehends mentally ill man immediately after he jumps over border fence near Golan Heights Moshav; man returned to Syrian side of the border
Last Tuesday a Syrian civilian infiltratedIsrael near Moshav Alonei Habashan in the Golan Heights, it was cleared for publication on Thursday.
An IDF force that detected a breach in the security fence rushed to the scene and apprehended the man immediately after he had jumped over the fence into Israeli territory. He was returned to the Syrian side of the border shortly thereafter.
The identity of the man, who is apparently mentally ill, has yet to be revealed. An initial investigation into the incident showed that he was unarmed. The reason for his infiltration attempt remains unclear as well.
The Israel-Syrian border has remained tranquil since the end of the Yom Kippur War of 1973, but several attempts by Syrian shepherds and other civilians to cross into Israel have been recorded throughout the years. All of the detainees were eventually returned to Syria after it was made clear that they were not terrorists.
About a month ago a former member of the South Lebanese Army who moved to Israel following the IDF's withdrawal was seen crossing back into Lebanon on foot just west of Metula.
The man's initial request to return to Lebanon was denied by Israeli authorities.
Hanan Greenberg contributed to the report
