Following the viral video of Druze communities in Syria asking to be annexed by Israel, IDF officers have offered assurances to the Druze village leaders that they can offer security and protection, although saying there were no plans to take territory in Syria.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi rejected recent comments from the rebel leader, Al-Shara (al-Jolani), that Israel has “no more excuses to carry out airstrikes in Syria,” promising that measures would be taken to protect both the residents of Israel and the Syrian Druze villages near the border.
“We are not interfering in what’s happening inside Syria, nor do we intend to govern it. However, we are unequivocally involved in ensuring the security of Israeli citizens living in communities behind us in the Golan Heights. This is something we are handling with professionalism, determination and precision,” said Halevi.
“Syria was once an enemy state; its army has collapsed, and there is a real threat that terrorist elements will try to establish themselves near our border. We have acted decisively to prevent extremist groups from settling right next to us.”
Approximately 700,000 Druze live in Syria, with about 20,000 of Israel’s 150,000 Druze living just over the border in the Golan Heights, according to the Telegraph. […]
— Read More: allisrael.com
