16.07.2025 16:45
Israeli planes carried out attacks targeting the presidential compound and the Ministry of Defense in Syria's capital, Damascus. It was stated that the attacks would continue until the Syrian army completely withdraws from Suwayda. Addressing the Druze citizens of Israel, Netanyahu said, "Do not cross the border. Return to your homes and allow the Israeli army to take action," signaling a new wave of attacks.
Israel has threatened to continue its attacks until the Syrian army completely withdraws from Suwayda in the southwest of the country.
Israeli planes carried out airstrikes targeting the Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Defense in the Syrian capital, Damascus. In a video message published on his X account, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the Druze citizens of Israel. Netanyahu, who claimed that the situation in southwestern Syria is very serious, reminded that the Israeli army is conducting attacks under the pretext of "protecting the Druze."
"DON'T CROSS THE BORDER, RETURN TO YOUR HOMES" Netanyahu called out to the Druze, saying, "I have a request from you. You are Israeli citizens. Do not cross the border. You could be killed or taken captive." Claiming that the Druze are putting their lives at risk by crossing the border, Netanyahu signaled for attacks by saying, "Return to your homes, and allow the Israeli army to take action."
KATZ: ATTACKS WILL INTENSIFY IF THE SYRIAN ARMY DOES NOT WITHDRAW Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated in a post on his X account that their attacks on Syria would intensify further. Katz threatened the Damascus administration with more severe attacks if the Syrian army does not completely withdraw from Suwayda in the southwest of the country.
Addressing the Druze in Israel, Katz said, "You can trust the Israeli army to protect your brothers in Syria," claiming that they would fulfill their commitment to "protect the Druze" alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Clashes between security forces and Druze groups continue in Suwayda ISRAELI SOLDIERS TRIED TO BRING BACK THE DRUZE Meanwhile, it was reported that some individuals from the Majdal Shams area, which is under Israeli occupation in the Golan Heights, advanced into Syria. It was noted that Israeli soldiers were trying to bring back those who crossed the border from the Majdal Shams area, where the Druze are predominantly located. The Israeli army is reportedly monitoring the situation and is "prepared for different scenarios for defense and attack."
SUWAYDA EVENTS In Suwayda, located in the south of Syria near the Jordanian border, small-scale armed clashes began on July 13 after Druze groups seized some vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arab tribes.
The Israeli government had promised military and political support to the Druze minority against the Damascus administration, disrupting the integration efforts of the Druze region with the country after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.
Figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had threatened that "attacks on Syria would increase." The Israeli army also announced today that it had carried out airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus.