Israel Declares Druze Strike, Reinforces Golan Border Amid Syria Clashes

Violence in Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province has escalated with deadly clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin armed groups, prompting Syrian government forces to intervene and leading to significant casualties. Israel has responded with airstrikes against Syrian regime targets, pledging to protect the Druze community and enforce a demilitarization policy in the area, while warning the Syrian regime to withdraw its forces. Despite ceasefire attempts, fighting continues, and Druze leaders in Israel have declared a strike and urged community members to prepare to cross into Syria to aid their brethren, though the Israeli military has prevented such crossings. Israel has reinforced its military presence along the northern border in anticipation of potential protests and border breaches by Druze citizens. The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. engaging all sides to promote calm, and reportedly requesting Israel to halt its strikes on Syrian forces. The Druze community in Israel expresses frustration over perceived insufficient government action, highlighting a deep ethical and historical alliance with the state and demanding more decisive intervention.