Israeli Defense Minister Vows To Keep Striking Syria To Protect Druze Population: 'Painful Blows To Come'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to inflict "painful blows" to the Syrian government over its declared aim of protecting the Druze minority amid ethnic clashes in the country following the fall of Bashar al Assad and the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa.

In a social media post, Katz said that "signaling in Damascus ended" and that the time has come for "painful blows." "The IDF will continue operating vigorously in Sweida to destroy the forces attacking the Druze until their complete retreat," Katz added.

"Druze brothers in Israel, you can count on the IDF to protect your Druze brothers in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu and myself, as Defense Minister, have made a commitment and will abide by it."

The statement was followed by strikes on the Syrian presidential palace and defense ministry, which were caught live on Wednesday.

The former was caught live during a broadcast. The news anchor can be seen dropping from her chair as a loud noise is heard and smoke billows from the entrance of the palace.

The latter could also be seen in a live broadcast by Al Jazeera, which showed the building being struck several times. Syrian sources told Reuters that at least two drone strikes hit the building and that officers were taking cover in the basement.

The outlet added that clashes began when Syrian government troops were sent to the Sweida region, located in the south of the country, to address fighting between the Druze and Bedouin armed men, but ended up clashing with the Druze militias themselves.

It also quoted local news outlet Sweida24 claiming that the city and nearby villages were under heavy artillery and mortar fire on Wednesday. The Syrian defense ministry blamed groups in the city for breaking a ceasefire announced the day prior. It also called on residents to stay indoors.

The Druze minority has a significant presence in Israel, mostly in the northern part of the country and the border with Syria. Its members are integrated to society and perform military duties, including mandatory conscription. The Israel government has vowed to defend the minority in Syria.

U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack is calling for restraint. "We unequivocally condemn violence against civilians in Suwayda. Full stop. All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators need to be held accountable," he said on Wednesday.

Barrack also echoed a statement by the Syrian presidency condemning attacks in Sweida and vowing to hold perpetrators accountable. "Strong statement. Actions must follow to end violence, ensure accountability, and protect all Syrians."