Military forces from Israel will not be permitted to move south towards the outskirts of Damascus.
### Israel's Continued Intervention to Protect Druze Communities
In a significant development, Israel's military has once again intervened in Syria, this time bombing targets in Damascus. The Israeli air force targeted the defense ministry compound and a location near the presidential palace, marking a bold move in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
The bombing was not a response to any specific request or appeal but rather an action taken to protect the Druze minority, a minority group in Israel and Syria, who have long been under threat in Syria's turbulent province of Suwaida.
Israel's policy towards the protection of its Druze community and their Syrian counterparts has been centred on maintaining a strong bond of mutual responsibility and defence. Thousands of Israeli Druze have served alongside Jewish soldiers, creating a deep sense of loyalty and obligation. This bond extends beyond Israel's borders, particularly in protecting Syrian Druze communities.
Israel has recently taken direct military action against Syrian army units threatening Druze areas, signalling a red line in protecting these communities. Israeli leaders have emphasised a commitment to safeguarding Druze communities, with statements from figures like Netanyahu and Katz underscoring this commitment.
Israel's engagement with Syrian government forces is primarily defensive and aimed at deterring attacks on Druze communities. Israel has conducted strikes against Syrian military targets to enforce a demilitarization policy around Druze-majority areas like Suweida. Israel has also issued warnings to Syrian forces to withdraw from areas where Druze communities are at risk, with the IDF prepared to escalate responses if necessary.
However, there are challenges and uncertainties in Israel's policy objectives. The long-term sustainability of Israel's efforts to provide security to the Druze community remains uncertain, particularly as the Syrian conflict evolves. The Druze community in Israel has expressed dissatisfaction with the level of action taken, highlighting the need for more effective measures to stop violence against Syrian Druze.
In a video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire in Syria was achieved through strength, not requests or appeals. He also emphasised that the protection of Israel's Druze community is another red line and that he will not allow Syrian government forces south of the capital Damascus. Netanyahu also claimed that Syrian forces have withdrawn to Damascus due to the ceasefire, and that Israel will continue to use military means to enforce its red lines.
This latest intervention by Israel serves as a stark reminder of the country's commitment to protecting its Druze community, both at home and abroad. As the Syrian conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Israel's policy will evolve and what further actions may be taken to ensure the safety and security of the Druze community.
The following are the names of the Member States that might express concern over Israel's continuous intervention in war-and-conflicts, particularly in Syria, due to their foreign-policy-related commitments and general-news interest: United Nations Member States. Despite possible international politics controversy, Israel emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the Druze communities, acknowledging it as another red line in its foreign policy.
