The IDF detained about 100 activists of the HaBashan Pioneers settler movement who crossed from the Israel-Syria buffer zone into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, the group announced on Sunday.
Several more Israeli citizens attempted to cross the border on Monday, but IDF troops detained and transferred them to the Israel Police for further action, according to the military.
The IDF confirmed both incidents, saying that it "strongly condemns the attempted border crossing" and that there have been "several similar incidents in recent days."
The activists said that the IDF used "severe violence" to detain them and confiscated their phones, despite "complete passivity" from the members.
The movement, which claims to have crossed the boundary "many times in the past," intends to establish an Israeli settlement in the area.
"Only settlement" would cement Israeli control of the area, noting the importance of IDF control in the region.
The movement said its actions come amid attempted attacks by Syrian terrorists against Israeli communities in the Golan Heights, including within the buffer zone.
"The events appear to be part of a slow but consistent deterioration and erosion of Israeli control in these areas by the terrorists and the hostile population in the area," HaBashan stated.
'Israel intends to stay'
The activists intentionally entered a mountainous area to make evacuation difficult.
"If we do not integrate civilian settlement into the military grip, we may find ourselves in a situation similar to that along the Lebanese border," the statement continued. "The right-wing government needs to show our enemies that Israel intends to stay."
"Eventually we will also reach Daraa, Quneitra and Abedin," it added.
In May, 10 HaBashan members were detained after crossing the Israel-Syria border, with the IDF emphasizing the danger the movement's actions pose to Israeli soldiers and civilians alike.
In April, 40 of its members were detained after they successfully traveled several hundred meters into Syria, which was “prohibited and dangerous,” the Israel Police said.
Tzvi Jasper and James Genn contributed to this report.