In a stunning shift, Druze communities in Syria’s Sweida region have been seen cheering and saluting Israeli forces entering their areas. The IDF says its operation aims to protect the Druze people from escalating violence by Syrian government troops under Al-Sharaa. Video footage shows Druze civilians welcoming IDF units, defying traditional hostility. Netanyahu appealed to the Druze not to flee across borders, vowing Israel will shield them and prevent further Syrian military advances near the Golan Heights.
