Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared on Thursday that protecting Druze citizens and their rights is “our priority.” Speaking in his first televised statement after Israeli air strikes hit Damascus on Wednesday, Sharaa addressed Druze citizens, saying, “We reject any attempt to drag you into the hands of an external party.”
He stressed that Syrians do not fear war and will fight if their dignity is at stake. “We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction,” he said.
Israel’s Response
Meanwhile, Israel vowed to destroy Syrian forces attacking Druze in southern Syria, with its airstrikes on Wednesday struck Syria’s defense ministry and areas near the presidential palace. Israel escalated its actions against Sharaa’s Islamist-led administration, despite his growing ties with the US and security contacts with Israel.
An Israeli military official confirmed strikes hit the military headquarters entrance in Damascus and a target near the palace. Israel’s military chief, Eyal Zamir, stated, “We will not allow southern Syria to become a terror stronghold.” Israel also promised to protect the Druze, spurred by its own Druze minority.
However, the US engaged all parties to halt the fighting, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on social media, “We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight.”
Additionally, the United Nations Security Council will meet on Thursday to discuss the conflict, with Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, urging condemnation, saying, “Israel will continue to act resolutely against any terrorist threat on its borders, anywhere and at any time.”
Impact on Druze Community
The Druze, followers of an Islamic offshoot religion, live across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. This week’s violence hit them hard. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SOHR) reported 169 deaths, while security sources claimed 300. Reuters could not verify these numbers. In Israel, many Israeli Druze crossed the border fence on Wednesday to join Syrian Druze. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged them not to cross, as the military worked to bring them back safely.
Meanwhile, Israeli Druze Faez Shkeir shared his pain, saying, “My family is in Syria—my wife, my uncles, and my family in Sweida. I don’t like to see them being killed. They kicked them out of their homes, robbed, and burned their houses, but I can’t do anything.”
Sharaa struggles to unify Syria amid fears of Islamist rule. Mass killings of Alawites in March heightened tensions. Israel calls Syria’s new leaders “barely disguised jihadists” and blocks their forces from southern Syria. For now, protecting the Druze remains a key issue for both nations.
