Key Facts
• July 15, 2025: Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian government forces in Sweida Province.
• Action aimed at protecting the Druze minority and maintaining demilitarization near Israel’s border.
• Sweida has seen three consecutive days of clashes, with drones and intermittent gunfire reported.
• Israeli PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz ordered immediate military action against Syrian forces.
• Israel emphasized solidarity with its Druze citizens and commitment to safeguarding Syrian Druze.
• Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri accused Syrian forces of violating a ceasefire and bombing Sweida.
• Syrian Defense Minister Abukassala later announced a full ceasefire, stating forces would only respond to attacks.
Summary
On July 15, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on Syrian government forces in Sweida Province, citing the need to protect the Druze minority and ensure demilitarization near its border. The region has been embroiled in clashes for three days, with drones and gunfire reported. Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Katz ordered immediate action, accusing Syrian forces of targeting the Druze. Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri condemned Syrian forces for breaking a ceasefire, while Syria’s Defense Minister Abukassala later declared a full ceasefire, stating forces would only retaliate if attacked. Israel reaffirmed its solidarity with Druze citizens and commitment to preventing harm to the Druze community in Syria.
