Israel’s Message to Damascus: A Commitment to Its Druze Community Amidst Rising Tensions
Continued Military Action in Syria
Israel has made it clear that it is committed to ensuring the safety of the Druze community in Syria. Following a recent Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated their readiness to continue targeting Syrian government installations. The IDF also emphasized their mission to provide medical treatment and evacuate injured individuals from Syria to hospitals in Israel.
In an official statement released by the IDF, it was reported that five Druze civilians were evacuated from Syria for medical care in Israel and taken to Ziv Medical Center in Safed. The IDF stressed that their forces are statistartd in southern Syria and are prepared to prevent hostile entities from entering Druze villages, stating, “The IDF continues to monitor developments with readiness to defend against various scenarios.”
Syrian Government’s Response
Earlier today, Hussein al-Shara, father of the Syrian President, responded to the Israeli airstrikes, claiming that the attacks across Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine are aimed at establishing a “Greater Israel” rather than protecting the Druze community. He declared that the Druze would not remain passive and would take matters into their own hands, despite lacking advanced military capabilities. “We have a fighting people who have learned to survive under harsh conditions. Our weapon is our people, and we will fight them with all we have,” he asserted.
Involvement of the Druze Community in Israel
Amid reports of violence against the Druze in southern Syria, the Druze community in Israel has intensified its calls for action from the Israeli government. Protesters have blocked key intersections, including the Elikim Junction on Highway 6, demanding a stronger response from Israel. In a demonstration that took place throughout the night, hundreds gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea to express their frustrations and urge immediate intervention in Syrian affairs.
In response to the escalating protests and community advocacy, Israeli fighter jets reportedly conducted another airstrike early this morning near the palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara in Damascus. Following the strikes, Netanyahu held discussions with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel. Sheikh Tarif expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s decisive actions to protect the Druze community in Syria.
Monitoring the Situation
A security official indicated that reports suggest armed groups intend to carry out attacks against the Druze. While the new Syrian government claims to be moving forces to protect the Druze, the situation remains fluid. The IDF is actively monitoring developments and has warned that should evidence arise of a planned massacre, they will respond with force—making it clear that these would not merely be warning attacks, but decisive actions to protect the Druze community.
As tensions continue to rise, the commitment of both the Israeli military and the Druze community remains steadfast in addressing the violence faced by the Druze in Syria. The impact of these events on regional stability and humanitarian response continues to unfold in a rapidly changing landscape.
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