Netanyahu: We imposed the ceasefire in Sweida by force, not through demands

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the ceasefire in Sweida, southern Syria, and the withdrawal of the transitional government forces toward Damascus were the result of "strong Israeli operations," stressing that "Israel imposed the agreement by force, not through demands."

In statements today, Netanyahu said, "We have established a clear policy regarding Syria, which stipulates that the area extending from the Golan Heights to Jabal al-Druze will remain demilitarized." He added, "We are achieving peace through force on seven fronts, and in Syria, we achieved a ceasefire by force."

Netanyahu considered the withdrawal of transitional government forces toward Damascus "very important," adding that the massive Israeli military action was decisive in changing the balance of power in southern Syria.

These statements follow days of intense fighting in Sweida between local factions on one side and forces affiliated with the transitional government in Syria on the other. The clashes resulted in dozens of casualties, with transitional government forces committing massacres against civilians.

A ceasefire was declared Wednesday evening, coinciding with the withdrawal of transitional government forces from Sweida, a move that followed Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus and military sites in Daraa.

ANHA