Druze MK enters Syrian buffer zone in effort to bring Israeli Druze back after they crossed border

MK Hamad Amar, a Druze lawmaker for Yisrael Beytenu, crossed into Syria earlier today as part of a coordinated effort with Israeli security forces to appeal for Druze youth to return to Israel, after they crossed the border in their hundreds in an attempt to assist their Syrian counterparts amid deadly sectarian violence.

In a statement confirming that he entered the Syrian buffer zone, Amar’s office says the lawmaker “is acting out of national responsibility and deep concern for the peace of the Druze youth and the entire public.”

In response to a query from The Times of Israel, a spokesperson for the lawmaker says he didn’t venture far into Syria but stayed in the buffer zone near the border “accompanied by security forces and with their permission.”

According to Hebrew media, MK Afef Abed, a Druze lawmaker for Likud, also crossed into the buffer zone to speak with Israeli Druze.