Netanyahu orders army to 'prepare to defend' Druze in Syria’s Jaramana

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to “prepare to defend” the Druze inhabitants of Jaramana city near Syria’s capital Damascus.

This comes in a new escalation by Netanyahu's government against the new administration in Syria, which is demanding an end to the ongoing Israeli violations of the country's sovereignty.

Jaramana, located approximately 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) from the Israeli border, is a diverse city, home to Druze, Christians, and both Sunni and Shia Muslims.

A statement issued by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s office claimed that Jaramana is “currently under attack by the forces of the Syrian regime.”

If the Syrian administration “harms the Druze, it will be struck by us,” Katz added.