Israel Strikes Syria, Warns Against Attacks on Druze Near Damascus
Tel Aviv sends military and diplomatic messages to prevent harm to Syrian Druze, as tensions rise following deadly clashes near Jaramana.
Watan-As anticipated, Israel launched attacks on targets in Syria on Wednesday, in what it described as a warning to local groups not to harm Syrian Druze. At the same time, it sent a message to Damascus stating it expects action to protect the Druze community, according to Israeli media sources.
A joint statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Defense announced that the Israeli military had targeted a “radical Syrian group” allegedly preparing to attack Druze residents in the town of Sahnaya, located in the Damascus countryside.
The statement read: “On Memorial Day for fallen security personnel, we reaffirm our commitment to the Druze community in Israel and to defending their brothers in Syria.”
It continued: “Israel will not allow harm to come to the Druze people, out of deep loyalty to our Druze brothers in Israel, who share close family and historical ties with their fellow Druze in Syria.”
Calls for Action Rise as Druze Leaders Warn of Sectarian Strife Near Damascus
The Hebrew-language daily Israel Hayom reported that Israel also sent a firm message to the Syrian regime, urging it to act swiftly to protect the Druze.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel, called on Israeli leaders to “act for equality in the state and build a better future for Israeli citizens.”
Regarding the events in Syria, Sheikh Tarif said: “At this moment, the eyes and hearts of the Druze community are focused on the Druze villages around Damascus. I call on Israel, the international community, and the Jewish people to act immediately to prevent a massacre there. Israel must not stand idly by.”
In northern Israel, dozens of Palestinian Druze blocked roads Wednesday morning in protest of the events near Damascus. Activists from the Druze community in the occupied Syrian Golan also warned against sectarian incitement and urged caution.
Golan Druze Warn Against Civil War as Israel Vows to Defend Druze Across Borders
Dr. Thaer Abu Saleh from Majdal Shams in the Golan posted on his page:“O Syrians of all stripes, none of the regional or international powers wish you well. They exploit weak minds among us to spread digital disinformation and revive sectarian strife. Their aim is to ignite civil war and justify foreign intervention and the partition of Syria. The wise across all sects must stand united against these schemes and urgently form a spiritual council of religious leaders from all communities to prevent escalation.”
He added: “Do not squander the blood of millions of martyrs who died to build a new Syria for all Syrians. Do not turn it into a wasteland. Their blood will haunt and condemn us forever.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Minister and cabinet member Eli Cohen stated during a military ceremony on “Memorial Day” that “the alliance between the Israeli people and the Druze transcends borders. Israel will not remain passive if the Druze are targeted beyond our borders.”
Separately, Arab media reported that Syrian government representatives and Druze leaders from Jaramana reached an agreement Tuesday evening to reduce sectarian mobilization and hold accountable those involved in the recent deadly clashes.
