Israel hits southern Syria hard, warns: Don't provoke Druze or face consequences

International News: Southern Syria's Suwayda region faced intense airstrikes during heavy clashes between local groups and government forces. As Syrian troops entered the area, violence escalated, drawing attention from Israel and global observers. "Israeli occupation aircraft carried out several airstrikes on the city of Suwayda," Syria's state news agency SANA reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant said in a joint statement that they had ordered the attack on Syrian government forces in response to an attack on the Druze community in Syria.

According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli military was instructed to target "Syrian regime forces and weapons brought into the Suwayda area." Netanyahu and Galant said the weapons violate a disarmament policy banning military deployments and weapons in southern Syria and "pose a threat to Israel. 

🇮🇱 IDF says it struck tanks, rocket launchers, weapons, and pickup trucks with heavy machine guns en route to As-Suwayda in southern Syria

IDF adds it continues operations while monitoring ‘regime actions against Druze civilians’ — and remains prepared for various scenarios https://t.co/pkOkidOwhQ pic.twitter.com/8UkOhMIwLt

— RT (@RT_com) July 16, 2025

Protection of the Druze community

In the statement, Israel reiterated its commitment to the safety of the Druze community in Syria, as "our Israeli Druze citizens share deep brotherhood and historic and familial ties with the Druze of Syria." Israel said it would prevent the Syrian regime from harming the Druze community and keep the area near its borders demilitarized.

Confirmation of military action

Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee confirmed the strikes in a post on X, saying, "Following instructions from the political leadership, the IDF began targeting Syrian regime military vehicles in the Suwayda region of southern Syria." He said Israeli surveillance had detected armored vehicles and tanks moving toward Suwayda. "Since yesterday, the IDF has targeted several armored vehicles, tanks, and rocket launchers," Adraee said.

Suwayda Road Blocked, Clashes Erupt

Tensions in Suwayda Local groups in Suwayda blocked the Damascus-Suwayda road following an armed robbery and attack on a civilian on 12 July. This triggered clashes between local groups and tribal fighters. Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Kasra declared a complete ceasefire on 15 July and said government forces would only respond to attacks by "outlaw groups".