Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Tanks Near Border

On Monday, Israel conducted airstrikes on Syrian tanks advancing toward its border. These tanks are believed to be heading towards the village of Druze, which is associated with former jihadist forces that may be targeted by Israel.

An Israeli Defense Force (IDF) spokesperson shared footage of the airstrikes, stating only that the tanks posed a threat to Israel.

Nonetheless, several Israeli news sources indicated that the aim of these strikes is to safeguard Syrian Druze Arab villages that are under threat from Syrian extremists.

Reports have emerged that Israel previously committed to protecting members of the Syrian Druze community. Israeli Defense Minister Katz described the recent strike as “a message and a clear warning to the Syrian regime,” emphasizing that there’s no risk to the Syrian Druze.

A statement from local religious authorities urged fighters to disarm. However, Sheikh Hikumat al-Hijiri, a prominent figure who had at first welcomed government forces’ arrival, later expressed his intention to “resist this brutal campaign by all means necessary.”

There’s a significant Druze Arab population in Israel, especially in mountainous areas that span Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. The Israeli Druze have shown loyalty to the state, and many serve in the IDF.

According to reports, Israel has provided assistance to the Druze village in Syria. Some locals have called for Israel to take control of the area if Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapses, which happened in December.

This latest incident unfolds while the U.S. strives to mediate peace between Syria and Israel as part of a larger regional agreement.

The new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharara, is expected to present a more moderate front to the West, yet concerns remain that his regime might reveal a more troubling nature, as critics have warned.