A Mini-Declaration of War, says Israeli Army Radio
Israel escalates Syria tensions, shifting troops from Gaza to Golan as Netanyahu warns Druze citizens against border crossings. With "painful blows" vowed against Damascus, the conflict enters a dangerous new phase amid Suwayda's violent clashes.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Tensions on the Israeli-Syrian border intensified Wednesday as Israel repositioned military units from Gaza to the Golan Heights, following a dramatic surge in hostilities in southern Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz both issued stark warnings, vowing to strike Syria forcefully as clashes in Suwayda escalate.
Military Deployment Intensifies as Israel Prepares for Escalation
Israeli Army Radio reported that Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has ordered the redeployment of troops from the Gaza front to the Golan Heights in anticipation of a widening conflict. According to Israeli Army Radio, the unfolding developments on the Syrian side of the border amount to a “miniature declaration of war,” adding, “we are preparing for days of combat in Syria.”
Additionally, a significant number of Israeli fighter jets have reportedly been redirected toward the Syrian front, underscoring the seriousness of the military’s preparations.
Netanyahu Warns Druze Citizens Against Crossing into Syria
Addressing the Druze community in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu cautioned against crossing the border into Syria due to what he described as an "extremely dangerous" situation in southwestern Syria. “Do not cross the border into Syria,” he urged, adding, “I ask you—return to your homes and let the army do its job.”
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid growing concern over the fate of the Druze population in Syria’s Suwayda province, where violent confrontations between government forces and local factions have intensified in recent days.
A Mini-Declaration of War, says Israeli Army Radio
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) July 16, 2025
Israel escalates Syria tensions, shifting troops from Gaza to Golan as Netanyahu warns Druze citizens against border crossings. With "painful blows" vowed against Damascus, the conflict enters a dangerous new phase amid… pic.twitter.com/Qsjt4xaLI9
Israeli Defense Minister Vows ‘Painful Blows’ to Damascus
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a stern warning to Damascus, declaring that “the time for messages is over… now come the painful blows.” Katz emphasized that the Israeli army would continue to operate “with full force in Suwayda to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until their complete withdrawal.”
In a direct address to the Druze in Israel, Katz stated: “Our Druze brothers in Israel, you can trust the Israeli army to protect your brethren in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I, as Minister of Defense, have taken on this commitment—and we will fulfill it.”
Later in the day, Katz confirmed that “painful strikes have begun in Damascus.”
As regional tensions continue to mount, Israel's latest military and political responses mark a significant escalation, signaling a new phase in the confrontation along its northern frontier.
