Netanyahu Reveals Secret Call to Syrian President Amid Druze Massacre

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Thursday that he had spoken with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a during a recent period of intense violence against the Druze community in Syria. Speaking at a gathering in the Druze village of Yarka, Netanyahu stated that he initiated the call, warning al-Shar'a that Israel would escalate its attacks on the Syrian regime if the "massacre" of Druze people did not cease. He described the conversation as brief and sharp, after which the killing of Druze halted. "I will do whatever is necessary to protect our Druze brethren, there is still work to be done," Netanyahu added, noting he could not disclose all details. The article references a period of intense fighting between July 13-21 of the previous year, during which over 3,572 people were killed, hundreds executed by Syrian security forces, and approximately 225,000 displaced. Human rights organizations documented the abduction of over 100 Druze women and girls by armed groups linked to the Syrian government, reporting systematic rape and sexual violence. A US-brokered ceasefire was reached on July 19, but proved fragile, with renewed clashes and a Syrian regime siege on the Druze capital of al-Suwayda in February 2026, blocking food and medicine. Israel had previously intervened by bombing regime targets in al-Suwayda and Damascus to protect the Druze. Al-Shar'a had condemned the atrocities, calling the Druze an "integral part" of Syria and promising an investigation into the "criminal and illegal actions" committed, vowing that those responsible would be held legally accountable.