Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced they ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to strike Syrian forces in response to attacks against the Druze community in Syria, according to The Times of Israel.
The leaders stated the IDF was directed to hit “regime forces and weapons introduced into the Sweida area,” actions they claim violate “the agreed-upon demilitarization policy prohibiting the entry of forces and weapons into southern Syria that endanger Israel.”
Simultaneously, Syrian government forces loyal to self-proclaimed President Ahmad Sharaa (also known as Jolani) entered Suwayda, the southern capital and Druze stronghold. Pro-government SyriaTV broadcast images of Sharaa’s troops and militias patrolling the city streets. This incursion prompted an exodus of Druze civilians towards the eastern countryside, as reported by the Syrian National Observatory for Human Rights.
In response to the escalating violence, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared a ceasefire in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida. “To all units operating in Sweida city, we declare a complete ceasefire following an agreement with the city’s notables and dignitaries,” he posted on social media platform X. The clashes erupted between government forces and Druze fighters after conflicting statements from Druze religious leaders, most of whom urged combatants to disarm.
Prior to the government entry, Druze religious authorities in Suwayda issued a statement calling on local Druze forces to surrender to Damascus and hand over weapons to avoid armed conflict within the city. Posted on the official profile of the Druze Spiritual Presidency, the statement cited recent events causing numerous casualties and a desire to prevent further bloodshed and restore stability. It welcomed the entry of government forces, demanded Druze factions cooperate with state institutions without resistance, urged the government to initiate dialogue on activating state institutions with local involvement, and emphasized the need to negotiate administrative, security, and resource management autonomy for Suwayda with Damascus.
Amidst these developments, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on Syria’s southern Suwayda region. Local media reported the strikes targeted a Syrian army tank under Sharaa’s command, part of a convoy preparing to enter Suwayda city. Initial assessments suggested the Israeli raid appeared demonstrative.