Four Israeli civilians were arrested overnight on Wednesday after crossing the border from Israel into Lebanon and clashing with IDF troops dispatched to the scene, according to a statement from Israeli police.
Upon arrival, IDF forces attempted to return the group to Israeli territory, but several individuals in the group became unruly and even threw stones at the soldiers. Police officers, called to the scene, arrested four of the suspects in coordination with the IDF. The remaining individuals were removed and escorted back into Israel by IDF forces.
Israeli authorities emphasized that they will act decisively against those who harm security forces and reminded the public that approaching the border fence is both prohibited and dangerous. Crossing into Lebanon is a criminal offense punishable by up to four years in prison, police stressed.
Second infiltration into Lebanon in a week
This incident comes just days after another case in which Israeli civilians crossed the border fence into Lebanon. As previously reported, on the night between Saturday and Sunday, several Israelis who illegally entered Lebanese territory were detained for questioning.
Chief Superintendent Arik Berkowitz, commander of the Kiryat Shmona police station, provided context. "These are ultra-Orthodox residents from Jerusalem and other communities. They circulated information among themselves suggesting that the site was open and organized for prayer visits," he explained. "They arrived tonight to fulfill the religious commandment. They maintain they were unaware this constituted an offense or that they were violating any laws. This is not the first time in recent months that we have encountered groups reported by the military for border crossing. Unfortunately, we have dealt with similar groups previously."
