From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Ben Gvir says Israel must ‘eliminate’ Syria’s Sharaa over violence against Druze
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says Israel must “eliminate” Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, referring to him by his nom de guerre “al-Julani,” in response to reports that more than 300 Syrian Druze have been killed in days of violence in southern Syria’s Sweida province.
“The shocking images from Syria prove one thing: once a jihadist, always a jihadist,” Ben Gvir says in a video statement. “Anyone who murders, shaves mustaches, humiliates, and rapes cannot be negotiated with, and the only thing that can be done is to eliminate al-Julani.”
“We must eliminate the head of the snake,” he adds. “I love the Druze citizens of Israel and send them a warm hug.”
Thousands of Israeli Druze have staged rallies across the north, demanding Israeli intervention, with about 1,000 breaching the border fence in the Golan Heights in an attempt to cross into Syria.
Israel has been carrying out heavy airstrikes in Damascus and other parts of Syria, targeting regime and military facilities in what officials say is a direct response to the attacks on Druze civilians.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a public plea calling on Israeli Druze not to cross the border, warning that it endangers their lives and complicates IDF operations.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed to protect Druze communities in Syria and says Israel will continue striking Syrian regime forces if attacks on civilians persist.
The Times of Israel Community.