Clashes and Israeli Strikes Escalate in Sweida

Clashes between Druze and Sunni militias in Syria's Sweida region have resulted in over 300 deaths, prompting the Syrian government to announce a new ceasefire, though earlier truces have rapidly failed. Israel launched strikes on Syrian military positions following reports that regime forces executed Druze civilians, with President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasizing Israel's commitment to protect the Druze community. Israeli leaders have also warned the Druze population not to cross into Syria amid the unrest, as some have done. Defense Minister Katz stated that Israeli strikes would continue—and potentially escalate—unless Syrian troops withdraw from Sweida. The violence underscores deep sectarian tensions in Syria and raises Israeli security concerns over jihadist threats near its border. The US and EU have expressed concern over the situation and the risk of further destabilization.