From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Druze in Israel stage protests demanding Israel do more to protect Syrian brethren
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Druze demonstrators protest in several locations throughout northern Israel due to this week’s deadly clashes in southern Syria between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes.
The protesters demand that the Israeli government do more to intervene in support of their coreligionists in Syria, according to Arabic-language outlets. Some of the demonstrators torch car tires and also block traffic in several locations.
Police say that Route 6 near Elyakim Junction has been closed to traffic in both directions as a result of the demonstrations. Other small protests have been reported near Shfaram and Rameh, Arab locales further north.
Police say they are present at the protests and attempting to “maintain public order and guide drivers to alternate routes” that aren’t blocked to traffic.
The demonstrations take place in wake of the internecine fighting in southern Syria that left nearly 100 people dead after clashes first erupted Sunday. Earlier this morning, the IDF struck Syrian government forces nearing the Druze-majority city of Sweida, with the stated aim of protecting the minority group.
Damascus has declared a ceasefire in the town, although the situation on the ground is not immediately clear.
The Druze community members in Israel continue to protest for their brethren in Syria. pic.twitter.com/WzBdRxK0sO
— FJ (@Natsecjeff) July 15, 2025
The Times of Israel Community.