Israel launched a precision strike near the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus this week, aiming to protect vulnerable Druze civilians in the war-torn country. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it acted under directives “from the political echelon” and warned that the regime’s attacks on southern Syria were escalating.
“The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria… and remains prepared for various scenarios,” the IDF stated.
The Israeli government made it clear that its intervention targeted regime forces threatening Druze communities near the border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Druze citizens in Israel, cautioning them not to enter Syria: “You are endangering your lives; you could be killed, you could be kidnapped… Therefore, I ask you, return to your homes, let the IDF do its work.”
The city of Sweida has become the epicenter of recent violence as regime-backed militias clash with armed Druze groups. Israel’s response underscores its commitment to defending allied minorities and preventing the spread of regional chaos. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar questioned global silence: “What else needs to happen for the international community to make its voice heard?”
Israel’s defense leadership reaffirmed its stance in a joint statement: “Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria… and to ensure the demilitarization of the area adjacent to our border with Syria.”
As regime forces reportedly carry out extrajudicial killings and torch civilian homes, Israel’s strike on the Syrian Defense Ministry signals a broader warning: attacks on civilian minorities will not go unanswered.
