The IDF struck a gathering of an extremist group in Syria that was reportedly preparing to continue attacks against the Druze population in the town of As-Suweida in Syria’s Damascus Governorate on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced in a joint statement on Wednesday.
“Israel will not allow harm to come to the Druze community in Syria, out of a deep commitment to our Druze brothers in Israel, who are tied by family and historical bonds to their Druze brothers in Syria,” the statement read.
The statement also added that Israel intends to send a strong message to the new Syrian government that it is expected to prevent harm to the Druze community.
The strikes coincide with Remembrance Day in Israel, during which Israel commemorates the fallen. Katz and Netanyahu’s statement mentions “great contribution of the Druze community to Israel’s security and the Druze who gave their lives in defense of the State of Israel.”
In return, Israel sees “great importance in fulfilling our commitment to the Druze community in Israel and in protecting their brothers in Syria.”
Druze protests
Also on Wednesday, dozens of members of the Druze community protested at the Kafr Yasif junction in the Western Galilee, near Acre, in response to the sectarian clashes that took place over the past 24 hours in the city of Jaramana, near Damascus.
During the protest, tires were set on fire and major traffic routes, including access to military cemeteries in the area, were blocked, causing heavy traffic congestion.
Police said that the protests were illegal, and officers were present at the scene to maintain public order and help participants in various Remembrance Day ceremonies reach their destinations safely.
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