Netanyahu Threatened Syrian President Al-Shar'a Over Druze in Sweida
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a withdraw forces from Sweida by 10 PM on July 16, 2025, threatening intensified attacks amid reports of a "genocide against the Druze." Following the conversation, Israel attacked targets in Damascus. A Syrian government source denied the call occurred, rejecting any attempt to involve the Druze in Israeli elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu demanded Syrian forces withdraw from Sweida by 10 PM on July 16, 2025, threatening escalation.
- The Israeli military attacked targets in Damascus hours after the call between Netanyahu and Al-Shar'a.
- Netanyahu stated a "genocide against the Druze" was occurring and demanded immediate withdrawal.
- Syrian government denied any call took place between Netanyahu and President Al-Shar'a.
- The conversation is part of 1,000 documents on dramatic security and political discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a immediately withdraw Syrian forces from Sweida on July 16, 2025, warning "either we will intensify the attacks," according to a report by i24NEWS. The dramatic, unprecedented conversation occurred at 1:30 PM, with Netanyahu stating, "I want to be direct and specific. Apparently, the message through intermediaries did not arrive as it should. There is a genocide being committed against the Druze. By 10 PM, your forces must withdraw from Sweida." Al-Shar'a requested 48 hours to address the issue, but Netanyahu insisted, "This is unacceptable. First, withdraw your forces." Al-Shar'a responded, "I had hoped the conversation would go differently."
Hours after the call, the Israeli military attacked key targets in Damascus, including the presidential palace and Syrian army headquarters, fulfilling Netanyahu's threat. The conversation is part of approximately 1,000 documents held by the State Comptroller detailing dramatic security and political discussions over the past three years. Netanyahu later confirmed the call during a party meeting, stating he had warned Al-Shar'a about the Druze situation.
However, a Syrian government source denied the call took place, telling the official SANA news agency, "We reject the attempt to involve the Druze in the elections in Israel." The report also referenced other related articles concerning the situation in Syria, including accusations against Al-Shar'a's government of seizing property and a potential Saudi Aramco oil deal with Syria.
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