Israeli settlers enter Syrian territory for a day, military says

A group of Israeli settlers illegally crossed into Syrian territory and spent a full day there before being detained by Israeli soldiers on Friday, according to Israeli media reports. The incident is the latest in a series of such crossings in recent weeks. The settlers crossed the border near the town of Majdal Shams, located in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The Israeli military confirmed that the individuals were handed over to police for questioning. The Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 war and later annexed, is not recognized as Israeli territory by most of the international community. Syria has repeatedly condemned Israeli incursions and settlement activities in the area. Israeli settlers have occasionally entered Syrian territory, often to visit or to protest. The military has previously warned against such actions, citing security risks and the potential for escalating tensions. The United Nations considers Israeli settlements in occupied territories illegal under international law. No injuries were reported during the incident. An investigation is underway.