The IDF “will soon raise the level of its responses” if Syrian forces continue to threaten the Druze community in southern Syria, said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Large columns of Syrian regime forces rolled into Sweida amid violent clashes between Druze militias and forces loyal to the Sunni Islamist regime.

Five wounded Syrian Druze civilians evacuated to Ziv Medical Center in the Galilee.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa must “protect the Druze in the suburbs of Damascus from attacks by jihadist rioters,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz.

More than 500 residents of Syria were allowed by their country’s new rulers and Jerusalem to join a pilgrimage in the Galilee.

“We will strengthen ties with the residents of the region.”

With Israel on their side, the Druze of southern Syria, and perhaps Lebanon, have hope for a brighter future.

“If the regime harms the Druze, it will be harmed by us,” Netanyahu and Katz said in joint statement.

Historically loyal to the Assad regime, the ethno-religious minority fears retribution by Islamist forces that ousted the dictator.