Antisemitic Protests Erupt in Syria Following Israeli Strikes
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Antisemitic protests occurred across Syria over the weekend following Israeli strikes in the southern buffer zone. Demonstrators chanted hostile slogans and burned the Israeli flag in cities like Idlib, Homs, and Al-Hasakah. These protests coincide with Syrian fears of Israeli action before elections and reports of increased Israeli arms to Druze in Al-Suwayda. A Syrian security official denied intentions of escalation, blaming Israel for supporting a hawkish Druze leader.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Antisemitic protests occurred across Syria following Israeli strikes in the southern buffer zone.
- Protesters chanted hostile slogans, including "Khaybar, Khaybar, Jews, the army of Muhammad will return."
- Demonstrators burned the Israeli flag in Al-Hasakah province and threatened to "eat in the heart of Tel Aviv."
- Syrian officials deny initiating escalation, blaming Israel for supporting a hawkish Druze leader.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu previously stated he would protect Syrian Druze after a conversation with President Assad.
Protests against Israel, featuring antisemitic slogans, took place across Syria over the weekend in response to Israeli strikes in the buffer zone in southern Syria. Demonstrations were reported in strongholds of President Bashar al-Assad, with participants chanting hostile messages. In Idlib, northwestern Syria, protesters shouted, "Zionist, patience, in Syria we will dig your grave." In Homs, central Syria, the infamous "Khaybar, Khaybar, Jews, the army of Muhammad will return" chant was heard. In the Al-Hasakah province in the northeast, demonstrators burned the Israeli flag and declared, "We will yet eat in the heart of Tel Aviv."
These events follow reports from last week that Damascus fears Israeli action ahead of elections. A Qatari-owned Lebanese newspaper, Al-Modon, reported that Israel has recently increased arms supplies to Druze in the Al-Suwayda province. According to the report, Damascus anticipates increased Israeli activity in the buffer zone and is observing preparations for future military operations alongside election readiness.
A Syrian security official close to the regime told Kan News that Syria has no intention of initiating escalation against Israel or in the Druze Mountain. The official stated that Israel continues to support followers of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, who advocates a hawkish stance against the Damascus government.
Approximately two weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the "massacre of Druze in Syria" ceased after a "short and sharp" conversation with President Assad. Netanyahu added, "I will do whatever is necessary to protect our Druze brothers," during an event with the Druze community. Assad, meanwhile, stated that any attempt to harm Syria's sovereignty would be thwarted and that while he understands what happened on October 7th, it cannot dictate policy.
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