developing· Security· Updated 21:09

Netanyahu Reveals Direct Call to Syria's Leader After Damascus Strike

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Thursday that he held a direct, secret phone call with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a, which successfully halted a massacre of Druze civilians in southern Syria. Netanyahu made the disclosure during a conference with members of the Druze community, pledging Israel's continued commitment to their safety.

6 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 16:25

Plus

What happened

01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he spoke directly with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a to halt a massacre of Druze in Syria.
02The phone call occurred after Israeli airstrikes targeted the Syrian Ministry of Defense and a site inside the presidential palace compound in Damascus.
03Netanyahu described the conversation with al-Shar'a as very short and very sharp, after which the massacre immediately stopped.
04The violence took place in July 2025 in al-Suwayda, involving Druze, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian regime-aligned forces.
05Netanyahu made the disclosure during a conference with members of the Druze community, pledging to do everything necessary to protect them.
06The prime minister committed to helping the Syrian Druze return to their homes, noting that more classified work remains to be done.

According to Netanyahu, the call was initiated after Israel carried out airstrikes against sensitive targets in Damascus, including the Ministry of Defense and a site within the presidential palace complex. He described the subsequent conversation with the Syrian president as very short and very sharp, stating that the killings ceased immediately afterward.

The events occurred in July 2025 in the southern Syrian city of al-Suwayda, where sectarian clashes between Druze and Bedouin tribes escalated to involve Syrian regime-aligned forces. Hundreds were killed in the violence, prompting Israeli military intervention to protect the Druze population, which has deep ties to Israel.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not permit massacres against the Druze and committed to helping them return to their homes. He stated that further actions are planned to ensure their protection, though he could not disclose specific details as some aspects of the situation remain classified.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 20:47