Syrian Protests Erupt Against Israel Following IDF Strikes
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Anti-Israel protests erupted across Syria over the weekend following recent IDF strikes in the southern buffer zone. Demonstrators in cities like Idlib and Homs chanted antisemitic slogans and issued threats against Israel. Syrian officials anticipate increased Israeli military activity and blame Jerusalem for arming Druze activists in Suwayda province, a claim Israel has indirectly addressed through Prime Minister Netanyahu's statements.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Syrian protests against Israel occurred following recent IDF strikes in the southern buffer zone.
- Protesters in Idlib and Homs chanted antisemitic slogans and issued direct threats against Israelis.
- Syrian officials anticipate increased Israeli military activity and blame Israel for arming Druze activists.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu previously stated he intervened to prevent a massacre of Druze in Syria.
Following recent Israeli military strikes in southern Syria's buffer zone, a wave of anti-Israel protests swept across the country over the weekend. Demonstrations occurred in areas considered strongholds of President Bashar al-Assad, including Idlib, Homs, and the Al-Hasakah province. Protesters chanted antisemitic slogans and issued direct threats, such as "Zionist, wait, in Syria we will dig your grave" in Idlib, and "Khaybar, Khaybar, Jews, the army of Muhammad will return" in Homs. In Al-Hasakah, an Israeli flag was burned while demonstrators vowed to "eat the heart of Tel Aviv." These public sentiments are believed to reflect growing pressure on the Syrian government in Damascus, according to reports by Kan 11's Roi Kais.
Syrian officials reportedly anticipate a significant increase in Israeli military activity in the buffer zone soon, coinciding with Israel's upcoming election period. Concerns about this are also surfacing in Arab media, with the Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon reporting that Jerusalem has recently accelerated the arming of Druze community activists in the Suwayda province.
Sources close to the Syrian presidency blame Israel for the escalating tensions. A Syrian security official, speaking anonymously, stated that Damascus has no intention of initiating an escalation against Israel or in the Druze Mountain region. However, this official accused Israel of continuing to support followers of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, who is reportedly pursuing a hardline stance against the Damascus government.
The situation concerning the Druze in Syria has also drawn recent attention from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented two weeks prior, claiming that a massacre of Druze in the country was halted only after a "short and sharp" conversation with President Assad. Netanyahu also pledged to the Druze community, "I will do whatever it takes to protect our Druze brothers."
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