Netanyahu explains devastating airstrikes on Damascus
Photo: Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (Getty Images)
Israel decided to strike Damascus in order to protect the Druze - a small ethnic and religious community living across several Middle Eastern countries, the Yediot Ahronot newspaper reports, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In particular, Netanyahu addressed Israeli citizens of Druze origin and emphasized that the situation in Suwayda province, in southwestern Syria, is "very serious."
"The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces - ed.) is operating, the Air Force is operating, other forces are operating. We are acting to save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the gangs of the regime," the Prime Minister added.
Netanyahu also urged Druze citizens of Israel not to cross the border into Syria, warning that they could be killed or kidnapped, and would also interfere with the efforts of the Israel Defense Forces.
Strikes on Damascus
Today, July 16, Israel carried out airstrikes on Damascus. Due to the attack, the buildings of the Syrian General Staff and the Ministry of Defense may have been destroyed.
There were also media reports about a strike on the Presidential Palace in Damascus.
Israel's actions were triggered by clashes between Bedouin tribes and local Druze in Syria's Suwayda province, during which 30 people were killed.
Given that many Druze in Israel serve in the military and are considered loyal citizens, the Israeli authorities decided to protect members of this ethnic community in Syria.
