Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday described the situation in Sweida and southwestern Syria as “very serious,” affirming that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are actively intervening to protect the Druze community and counter Syrian regime forces.

“The IDF is operating, the Air Force is operating, and other forces are acting to save our Druze brothers and eliminate regime gangs,” Netanyahu said in a statement addressed to Druze citizens in Israel. He urged them not to cross the border into Syria, warning it would endanger their lives and complicate military operations.

The IDF confirmed striking the entrance to Syria’s military headquarters in Damascus, targeting regime command centers believed to be directing operations in the As-Suwayda region. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force has also hit tanks, rocket launchers, and armed vehicles en route to the Sweida area.

“The IDF continues targeting military objectives of the Syrian regime in Damascus, including its general headquarters from which offensive operations are being coordinated,” the military posted on X.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the violence, calling attention to increasing attacks on minorities in Syria, particularly the Druze community. He cited the recent burning of the historic Mar Michael Church in Sweida and a separate ISIS-linked church attack last week.

“Islamist aggression violently targets all minorities in Syria – Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and Christians. What else needs to happen for the international community to raise its voice?” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on X.

Sa’ar noted a similar wave of violence occurred two and a half months ago, which was halted following Israeli political and military pressure.