Two Israelis arrested by police after returning from Syria with Kalashnikov rifles

This comes after Israeli Druze civilians crossed from Israel into Syria in solidarity with their brethren amid violent clashes with Damascus security forces, particularly in Sweida.

Israel Police apprehended two Israeli citizens returning from Syrian territory who had a Kalashnikov rifle and a magazine in their possession, police confirmed on Thursday.

During a check on Israeli civilians returning from Syria at the border, police searched two residents of north Israel, arresting them and transferring them for further interrogation.

This comes after Israeli Druze civilians crossed from Israel into Syria in solidarity with their brethren amid violent clashes with Damascus security forces, particularly in the Syrian Druze town of Sweida.

Israel Police, as well as IDF soldiers, were posted to the border fence, closing civilian crossings, and coordinated to return Israeli citizens who had entered Syria, the police added.

An Israel Police officer gives a statement on the two Israeli citizens arrested for crossing from Syria with a Kalashnikov rifle, July 17, 2025. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

The IDF identified dozens of suspects attempting to infiltrate Israeli territory from Syria, the military stated Wednesday.

Dozens of civilians infiltrated Syria

Additionally, dozens of Druze-Israeli civilians managed to infiltrate Syrian territory from the area of the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the North, the IDF confirmed on Tuesday.