A group of settler activists including young children crossed the border into Syria on Monday in an attempt to establish a new settlement in land currently held by the Israel Defense Forces.

The military said troops were dispatched to the scene, across from the border town of Alonei Habashan, after several civilian vehicles were seen crossing into Syria.

“IDF troops at the scene returned the civilians safely to the territory of the State of Israel after a short time,” the military said, adding that they were called in for questioning by police.

“This is a grave incident that constitutes a criminal offense and endangers the public and IDF troops,” it added.

i24news first reported the case, identifying the group of activists as the “Bashan Pioneers,” named after the biblical name for the Golan Heights and southern Syria region.

In videos from the scene, the activists were seen erecting a sign for a new settlement they named “Nave Habashan,” dancing and holding what they said was a cornerstone ceremony for the new........

© The Times of Israel