Israel launches airstrikes in Syria after deadly attempted attack on Druze community

In an unusual move, Israel attacked a network of an extremist group in Jaramneh, Syria, which was preparing to continue attacking the Druze population in the town of Ishaniya, in the Damascus province of Syria. At the same time, a stern message was also conveyed to the Syrian regime – Israel expects it to act to prevent harm to the Druze.

A statement from the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense said: "Precisely on Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers, when we honor the great contribution of the Druze community to Israel's security and the memory of the Druze fallen who risked their lives to defend the State of Israel – we see great importance in fulfilling our commitment to the Druze community in Israel and to protecting their brothers in Syria."

According to them, "Israel will not allow the Druze community in Syria to be harmed out of a deep commitment to our Druze brothers in Israel, who are connected by family ties and history to their Druze brothers in Syria."

Minister and Cabinet member Eli Cohen referred to the attempt to harm the Druze in Syria. During the Memorial Day ceremony at the Druze cemetery in Marar, the minister said: "The alliance between the people of Israel and the Druze community crosses borders. The State of Israel will not sit idly by if they try to harm the Druze beyond the country's borders."