Protests erupted across southern Syria in response, with civilians condemning Netanyahu’s remarks as interference in Syrian sovereignty. Demonstrators called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the buffer zone along the Syrian border and rejected any foreign military presence in the region.

By bnm Gulf bureau bnm Gulf bureau Fresh clashes south of Damascus between local Druze and government forces suggest the community may be laying groundwork for a semi-autonomous or fully independent non-Islamic statelet before Damascus manages to create a new government.

The IDF will either attack the Syrian forces if there is a problem, or if it is just a threat to keep distance from Israel, the 'Post' learned.

Israel has also demanded the demilitarization of southern Syria, specifically in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida, to ensure the safety of the Druze population. Israeli forces have established positions in buffer zones and on Mount Hermon to bolster security in these areas.

The Israeli army has been ordered to prepare to "defend" a Druze-majority city in southern Syria close to the capital, Damascus, after violence broke out between locals and security services.

Israel’s defense minister says minority Druze in Jaramana a town south of Damascus, were under attack from the new Syrian regime and that he ordered Israeli forces to be poised to help protect them if necessary.

Instruction comes as new Syrian government authorities clash with local Druze gunmen in Jaramana, just outside capital The post Netanyahu and Katz direct IDF to ‘prepare to defend’ Syrian Druze suburb of Damascus appeared first on The Times of Israel.