NewzVille International
Israel struck part of Syria’s defence ministry and hit areas near the presidential palace on Wednesday, marking a major escalation in Israel’s actions against the Islamist-led administration of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
In response to growing calls within Israel to support the Druze community in Syria, dozens of Israeli Druze crossed the border fence on Wednesday, joining Druze on the Syrian side.
Israel, describing Syria’s new leadership as thinly veiled jihadists, has stated that it will not allow these forces to advance into southern Syria. The country has also pledged to protect the Druze population in the region, a move encouraged by its own Druze minority community.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military was working to protect the Druze and urged Israeli Druze citizens not to cross the border.
Separately, Israeli army chief of staff Eyal Zamir visited the Syrian border to conduct a situational assessment with senior army officials.
Scores of people have been killed this week in and around the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where violent clashes have erupted between Druze fighters, Syrian government security forces, and members of local Bedouin tribes.
