Key facts
- A group of young women associated with the far-right Uri Tzafon Movement illegally crossed into southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
- The Israeli military confirmed that most of the group have been located and escorted back to Israel.
- Troops are still searching for some members of the group.
- The Uri Tzafon Movement advocates for Israeli settlement in southern Lebanon.
A small group of young women affiliated with the far-right Uri Tzafon Movement illegally crossed the border into southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to the Times of Israel, citing the Israeli military. The army reported that most of the individuals have been found and escorted back to Israel, though searches for some are ongoing.
Several far-right Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have publicly supported the establishment of Israeli settlements in southern Lebanon. The Uri Tzafon Movement, co-founded by Anna Sloutskin, comprises dozens of families and aims to extend Israel's northern border and establish a permanent civilian presence in the region, envisioning the area becoming part of the State of Israel. The movement has reportedly seen growing traction since its founding in 2024, with Sloutskin stating the idea is for the population to flee, the border to be moved, and for the population not to return.