Israeli Defense Minister declares Israel’s intention regarding the two big minorities in Golan and Southern Syria

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Druze workers from Syria will soon be allowed to work inside Israel.

Katz said, “We’ll soon allow Druze workers from Syria to come to work in the Golan Heights towns inside Israel”.

He added, “The government is currently approving an unprecedented support plan for the Druze and Circassian communities in Israel, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich”.

Katz emphasized: “As Minister of Defense, I commend their loyalty, courage, and contribution to strengthening Israel’s security during difficult and critical times”.

He pledged that Israel would continue to support the Druze and Circassian communities, as well as protect their brethren in Syria from any potential threat.

In an earlier statement on Saturday, the defense minister stressed that Israel would keep southern Syria free of weapons and threats, asserting that his country would protect the Druze in the region, noting that anyone who attempts to attack them will pay the price.

He added, “Israel will take all necessary measures to protect itself from any threat coming from Syria”.

These statements coincided with the escalation of violent events in the coastal region of western Syria, where Katz warned of increased violence.

He pointed out that the Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, is committing what he described as a massacre against the Alawite population in that region, alluding to the head of the transitional phase in Syria, Ahmed al Sharaa, known by the nickname “Abu Mohammad al Julani”.

Since Thursday, Latakia province has witnessed violent clashes between security forces and militants loyal to the Assad regime.

These clashes are considered the most violent since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al Assad on December 8, 2024.