Israel’s defense establishment is monitoring the developments in Syria, where the Druze community near Damascus is under threat. In light of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a special security assessment yesterday (Wednesday).
The clashes began following the circulation of an audio recording attributed to a Druze individual, which Sunni groups claim dishonored the Prophet Muhammad. On Wednesday, the violence continued between Syrian regime supporters and the Druze population in southern Syria.
Israeli Air Force strikes – Syrian regime official killed
The focal point of today’s events was the city of Sahnaya. According to Syrian sources cited by the Lebanese newspaper Al Mayadeen, Syrian security forces launched an operation against “armed groups” in the city. Forces reportedly operated in most of the city’s neighborhoods, arresting several “suspects.” Syrian social media circulated graphic and disturbing footage showing violence, abuse, and the murder of Druze civilians in southern Syria.
Later in the evening, around 21:40, reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement between the sides. Similar reports were also circulated earlier in the day.
Watch:
قصف صهيوني يستهدف تجمعا لعصابات الجولاني في صحنايا بريف دمشق. pic.twitter.com/sGIgFkiBfv
— Hussam (@Husam13318285) April 30, 2025
In parallel with Syrian security force activity, the Israeli Air Force conducted several strikes using fighter jets and UAVs. One strike reportedly killed at least one Syrian regime official and wounded several others. In addition, three Druze civilians who were injured by gunfire in southern Syria were evacuated to Israel for medical treatment. They were transferred to Ziv Medical Center in Safed.
“The three wounded individuals are suffering from gunshot injuries to various parts of their bodies. They are currently undergoing evaluation and testing,” the hospital reported.
“What happened to the Alawites in Syria won’t happen to us”
Earlier today, an Israeli Druze citizen spoke with RegaNEWS about the situation faced by his brethren in Syria. He urged the Israeli government to intervene militarily, calling for strikes on Syrian regime positions, convoys, and communications infrastructure.
“This is just the beginning,” he said, with concern clearly sounding in his voice. But he made it clear that the Druze would not allow the Syrian regime to harm their people:
“What happened to the Alawites in Syria won’t happen to us. Our daughters will not be harmed before our eyes while we remain silent.”
He concluded with an appeal to the Israeli Jewish public, invoking the historic alliance between the two peoples:
“For 76 years, we’ve fought side by side. Just as you went through the Holocaust, don’t allow another massacre to happen — the Nazis are the same Nazis, only with different faces.”
