Israel warns of harsh responses if attacks on Druze community continue in Syria

2/5/2025 7:22

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sent a stern message to Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Thursday, vowing harsh responses if clashes with the Druze minority continue in Syria.



The minister announced that Israeli troops deployed in southern Syria "are prepared to prevent the entry of hostile forces into the area of Druze villages," adding the forces continue to monitor developments with readiness for "various scenarios."



"I repeat my warning to the head of the Syrian regime," Katz said in a statement, "if the attacks on the Druze in Syria do not stop, we will respond with great severity."



Following clashes between Syrian security forces and local Druze on Wednesday, Katz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli military "to carry out several warning strikes against extremist elements, and have conveyed a clear message to the Syrian regime that it is responsible for preventing such attacks (on the Druze)," according to the statement.