In an unusual military action, Israel bombed Syrian regime forces heading toward the city of Sweida, which has a Druze majority, in southern Syria. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, was made "after the attacks against the Druze" and in accordance with Israel's policy of preventing the militarization of southern Syria.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck several armored vehicles, including tanks and multiple rocket launchers, that were advancing toward Sweida. The city has been the scene of violent clashes between Bedouin clans and the local Druze community, resulting in nearly 100 deaths.
"Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep fraternal alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their historical and family ties with Syrian Druze", Netanyahu and Katz stated.
