Israeli army ordered to prepare to 'defend' Druze city in southern Syria

The Israeli military has received orders to prepare to "defend" a city in southern Syria with a Druze majority, located near the capital Damascus. This follows escalating tensions and recent clashes between local residents and security forces in the area, prompting concerns for the safety of the Druze population.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a statement on Saturday that the city of Jaramana, located on the outskirts of the capital, is "currently under attack by the Syrian regime's forces." Katz emphasized that Israel would not allow the extremist Islamic terror regime in Syria to harm the Druze people, signaling a firm stance on the matter.

Katz stated forcefully in the statement: "We will not allow the extremist Islamic terror regime in Syria to harm the Druze people. If that regime harms the Druze people, it will be harmed by us." This declaration underscores Israel's commitment to protecting the Druze community and its willingness to intervene if necessary.

Since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Syria has been ruled by a transitional government led by Ahmed Shala. Shala previously led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that splintered from al-Qaeda, during the Syrian civil war. Despite the new government's attempts to allay concerns, many of Syria's minority groups remain worried that they may face oppression or harassment from armed groups under Shala's rule, contributing to ongoing instability.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, recent clashes in the city of Jaramana between residents of the city, residents of the neighboring town of Maliha, and members of the security forces resulted in at least one death and nine injuries. It was reported that local residents opened fire on security forces as they attempted to enter the city, resulting in the death of one security officer and injuries to two others, further exacerbating the volatile situation.

Since last December, Israel has repeatedly mentioned religious and ethnic minorities inside Syria, including the Kurdish community and the Druze. Earlier this week, Katz said he was considering allowing members of the Druze community from Syria to work in the occupied Golan Heights. The Syrian Golan Heights have been occupied by Israel since 1967, and the area is mainly inhabited by members of the Syrian Druze community. Since Assad's downfall, Israel has expanded its control over the Golan Heights, drawing condemnation from the Syrian government.