Israel conducts "warning" strike near Damascus to protect Druze

In a joint statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, both affirmed that "the Israeli army carried out a preemptive operation against an extremist group that was preparing to assault Druze residents in the town of Sahnaya, Syria."

They added, "The operation aims to send a clear message to the Syrian regime about the necessity of taking action to prevent any attacks on members of the Druze community."

Defense Minister Katz, during a speech at an event, explained that the operation was carried out under direct instructions from the Prime Minister and in coordination with Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. He clarified that the purpose of the strike was to disrupt plans for an attack targeting Druze civilians.

Katz claimed that Israel "will not hesitate to defend the Druze community" in Syria, citing historical and familial ties "between Druze in Israel and their counterparts in Syria."

He concluded his statement by stressing that the Damascus Authority bears the responsibility for protecting the Druze community and preventing them from being harmed.

A-H

ANHA