Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, called on the Israeli government to intensify its attacks on Syrian army positions in Sweida province. He harshly criticized Syrian interim president Ahmad Al-Sharaa, describing him as “a killer no different from Hamas or ISIS.”

In an interview with the Hebrew outlet Yedioth Ahronoth, Tarif revealed ongoing contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, saying, “We are continuing our dialogue, and I hope we increase the strikes.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israel “will not abandon the Druze in Syria,” hinting at further airstrikes if Syrian forces do not withdraw from Sweida. He affirmed, “The Israeli army will continue its attacks until this withdrawal is achieved.”

In a striking development, dozens of Druze residents from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights crossed the border fence in Majdal Shams toward Syrian territory in solidarity with Druze in Sweida before being escorted back across the border by Israeli forces.

On the ground, fierce battles continued in Sweida between government forces—supported by tribal and Bedouin fighters—and Druze militants. Reports from the area described back-and-forth skirmishes and conflicting information about territorial control.

Israel launched airstrikes in recent hours targeting Syrian army positions in the Sweida countryside and near Thaala Airport, striking military convoys during withdrawal and causing casualties among government troops. The strikes expanded to include a Defense Ministry compound in Damascus.

Conversely, Syrian forces intensified artillery and missile shelling on residential areas in Sweida, resulting in civilian casualties and the collapse of essential services. Witnesses described the city as a “ghost town” amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll has exceeded 200 people since the outbreak of clashes—comprising civilians and fighters from both sides—in one of the bloodiest waves of violence in the province since the Syrian conflict began.

In a related move, the Druze Spiritual Leadership issued an urgent statement today (Wednesday) calling for international intervention to stop the “massacres” in Sweida.

The statement, posted on Facebook, read: “We appeal to the free world and all active powers, and address our plea to President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II… Save Sweida.”

It added, “Our people are being exterminated in cold blood. The killers do not distinguish between young or old, woman or child, doctor or sheikh… Churches and places of worship are being destroyed, and massacres are committed before the world’s eyes.”

The statement criticized the “international silence” regarding what it called “systematic and organized killing,” holding the global community morally and ethically responsible for halting the violence.

It also called on “our Sunni brethren in Syria to take a clear stance on what is happening,” affirming, “We have never been adversaries, but we can no longer coexist with a regime that knows only rule by iron and fire.”

The statement concluded: “Our appeal is humanitarian and ethical—not political. Save a people from being killed merely for demanding life and dignity.”