17.07.2025 18:33
Under the pretext of protecting the Druze in Sweida, Israel conducted airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus, where Prime Minister Netanyahu issued threats. Netanyahu stated that they would not allow the army affiliated with the Syrian government to advance to the south of Damascus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they will not allow forces affiliated with the Syrian government to move into the southern part of the capital, Damascus.
NETANYAHU: WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE SYRIAN ARMY TO MOVE INTO SOUTHERN DAMASCUS
Prime Minister Netanyahu noted in a video statement published on his X account that they have established two policies regarding Syria: "to demilitarize the area from the Golan Heights they occupy to the Jabal al-Druze region and to protect the Druze in Syria."
Stating that the Syrian government has violated the two red lines they set, Netanyahu said, "We will not allow military forces to descend into southern Damascus, and we will not allow the Druze in Jabal al-Druze to be harmed." He indicated that Israel would continue its attacks, referring to the intense airstrikes they have carried out on the capital Damascus and the city of Suwayda in recent days.
Regarding the ceasefire reached between Syrian security forces and Druze groups, Netanyahu said, "This ceasefire was achieved through the use of force. Not through requests, not through pleas, but through power."
CLASHES IN SUWAYDA AND ISRAEL'S AIR STRIKES
Small-scale clashes began on July 13 between Bedouin Arab tribes and Druze armed groups in the Suwayda province in southern Syria. Dozens of soldiers were killed in attacks by Druze groups on the Syrian security forces deployed to the region.
After the clashes between security forces and local armed Druze groups escalated, a ceasefire was established between the parties.
While the ceasefire was quickly broken, the Israeli army carried out attacks targeting Syrian security forces.
On July 16, the Israeli Air Force struck the presidential compound, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense of Syria. While a ceasefire was re-established between the government and local groups in Suwayda on the same day, Israeli fighter jets carried out attacks on Damascus and Daraa.
In Suwayda, where security forces have withdrawn, it is estimated that hundreds of people have lost their lives in the clashes and Israeli attacks.