Syrian opposition fighters walk in the Mount Azzan area near Aleppo during fighting against forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. (Agence France-Presse photo)
An Arab Israeli has crossed into Syria using a paraglider, the army said today, with the apparent goal of joining rebel fighters there.
Late Saturday afternoon "a surveillance post identified an Israeli civilian entering Syrian territory using a paraglider," an army statement read.
"The preliminary review indicates that the civilian that entered is a resident of Jaljulia," an Arab town in central Israel.
A military spokeswoman said the army was "examining the possibility he had entered Syria in order to join rebels."
The army would not say where the crossing took place or provide any further information on the paraglider's condition.
Al-Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, which is supportive of the Islamic State group and active in the Daraa area in south Syria, addressed rumours circulating about the flight on Saturday night, stating on its Facebook page it had not taken an Israeli captive.
Several dozen Israeli Arabs have joined ISIS ranks in recent months, Israeli authorities say, with some killed in fighting.