Druze in Israel protest sectarian clashes in Syria, block traffic in northern Israel - Maariv, Jerusalem Post Staff

 

by Maariv, Jerusalem Post Staff

Syrian government forces have entered the city of Sweida in southern Syria, a stronghold of the Druze community, following two days of violent clashes that left dozens dead.

 

A Druze boy holds a flag as he looks at the ceasefire line between Golan Heights and Syria, on the day of first visit by Druze delegation from Syria just after 1973 war in Israel, March 14, 2025.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Avi Ohayon) 

Protests are taking place at several locations in northern Israel on Tuesday, organized by members of the Druze community in response to sectarian clashes in Syria in recent days and the response by the Syrian government. 

Reuters reported that Syria's defense minister announced a ceasefire in Sweida after reaching an agreement with local leaders. 

One of the major protests is occurring at the Shfar'am junction, where traffic lanes are being intermittently blocked. Another protest has been reported near Iblin. Protesters are waving flags and holding signs, calling on the Israeli government and international bodies to intervene in the situation.

Syrian government forces have entered the city of Sweida in southern Syria, a stronghold of the Druze community, following two days of violent clashes that left dozens dead. 

This marks the first time Syrian forces have entered the city since the rise to power of President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Meanwhile, the IDF announced yesterday that it had struck “several tanks” in southern Syria. 

Smoke rises as Syrian security forces walk along a street after Syrian troops entered the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Tuesday following two days of clashes, in Sweida, Syria July 15, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KARAM AL-MASRI)

Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the situation, warning against harm to the Druze community. He stated, “Israel is closely monitoring the developments and will act if a real threat to the Druze civilians is identified.”

This is a developing story. 

Maariv, Jerusalem Post Staff

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-861080

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