Nadene Goldfoot
The IDF struck the entrance gate of the Syrian regime's General Staff headquarters in the Damascus area today, after the ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups collapsed. An IDF statement said,
"The IDF continues to monitor developments and activity against Druze civilians in southern Syria and, in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, is attacking the area and is prepared for various scenarios." Around 250 people have been killed amid unrest in Syria’s Sweida province, home to 700,000 Druze.
Defense Minister Katz said in a statement that the IDF "will continue to attack regime forces until they withdraw from the area — and will also soon raise the bar of responses against the regime if the message is not understood."
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel has "a commitment to preserve the southwestern region of Syria as a demilitarized area on Israel's border" and has "an obligation to safeguard the Druze locals."
Israel’s Druze community has called for general strikes, while around 1,000 protestors reportedly crossed the border into Syria near the village of Majdel Shams.
Dozens of Druze tried to enter Israel from Syria. The IDF and Border Police and trying to control the situation.
PM Netanyahu addressed the Druze saying, "My Druze brothers, citizens of Israel — the situation in Sweida, in southwestern Syria, is extremely grave. The IDF is operating, the Air Force is operating, and other forces are operating. We are acting to save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the regime’s militias. And now I have one request of you: You are citizens of Israel. Do not cross the border. You are endangering your lives — you could be killed, you could be kidnapped, and you are undermining the IDF’s efforts.
Therefore, I ask you — return to your homes and let the IDF carry out its mission."
Resource:
israelAM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Katz
No comments:
Post a Comment