Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Israel will continue military operations in southern Syria to enforce key security measures and protect the Druze minority amid escalating tensions.
In a video statement, Netanyahu accused the Syrian government of violating agreements by deploying troops into demilitarized zones near Israel’s border and endangering the Druze community.
“It sent an army south of Damascus, into the area that should be demilitarized, and it began to massacre the Druze. We could not accept this in any way,” Netanyahu stated.
He emphasized that a recent ceasefire in Syria’s Sweida province was not the result of negotiations but was achieved through force. “We acted, and we will continue to act as necessary,” he said.
Escalating Conflict
The violence in Sweida erupted after an attack on a young Druze man, leading to retaliatory actions and widespread clashes involving local Druze fighters, government forces, and Bedouin militias.
In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Damascus and Sweida, claiming the strikes aimed to prevent further harm to the Druze community. A fragile ceasefire was brokered following the airstrikes.
International Condemnation
Israel’s military intervention has drawn condemnation from the international community. Eleven Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, jointly criticized the Israeli strikes, warning that the attacks threatened Syria’s sovereignty and stability. They urged support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts and called for adherence to international agreements.
The United States also voiced opposition to Israel’s actions. A State Department spokesperson stated, “The United States did not support recent Israeli strikes.”
Ongoing Tensions
Despite the ceasefire and withdrawal of government troops from Sweida, tensions remain high. Reports suggest that Israeli warplanes launched another airstrike near Sweida city on Thursday.
The death toll from the clashes in Sweida has risen to nearly 600, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The organization warned of a growing humanitarian crisis as families flee the province amid reports of violence and siege-like conditions.
