Tension: Netanyahu asks the Druze not to cross the border into Syria

Amid intense clashes in the Syrian city of Sweida, which has a Druze majority, Israel has launched several attacks against regime targets in Damascus. The stated objective is to protect the Druze population from government-allied militias.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an urgent call to Israeli Druze citizens not to cross the border and not to interfere in the ongoing military operation.

"You're putting your lives at risk. You could be killed or kidnapped, and you're hindering the IDF's efforts," Netanyahu warned. "The Israeli army, the air force, and other units are acting to save our Druze brothers and eliminate the regime's militias. I ask you: return to your homes. Let the IDF do its job."

Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed Israel's commitment to protecting the Druze community. "The army will continue to operate forcefully in Sweida until the forces that attacked the Druze are completely destroyed," he stated.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused President Ahmed al-Sharaa's regime of committing "pogroms" against minorities in Syria and criticized the lack of international action. "Our interests in Syria are clear: to protect the Druze community, with whom we have historical ties," he declared.

Meanwhile, the Syrian regime issued a statement condemning the violence and promising to investigate the events, although it avoided making direct mention of the Israeli attacks.