Netanyahu Reveals Direct Call to Syrian President Ended Druze Massacre

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Thursday that he had spoken with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a following a massacre of Druze in Syria, which he stated led to the cessation of the violence. Speaking at an election event for representatives of the Druze community in Yarka, Netanyahu recounted that after Israeli strikes near Damascus, he made a "very short, very sharp" call to al-Shar'a, after which the killings stopped. "We took down the Ministry of Defense in Damascus. We took down a target within the presidential palace complex. I picked up the phone to al-Shar'a. I had a very short, very sharp conversation, and the massacre stopped," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu pledged to continue efforts to protect the Druze in Syria and assist in their return to their homes, stating, "I will do whatever is necessary to protect you, your brothers, and our brothers. They must also be returned to their homes." He indicated that further action is planned but declined to provide details, saying, "There is still work to be done, I cannot tell everything. But this commitment comes from the bottom of my heart."

Last year, a wave of violence erupted against the Druze in Syria, with dozens killed and injured during clashes in the Jarmana and Sahnaya areas. Islamist forces identified with al-Shar'a's regime reportedly attacked the Druze based on a fabricated recording. These events prompted demonstrations by Druze in Israel, calling for action to protect their community members across the border. Subsequently, both Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had conducted strikes near the presidential palace in Damascus.