IDF strikes in Sweida are ‘test’ of Israel’s policy to demilitarize southern Syria, says official

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Syria's security forces enter the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on July 15, 2025, following clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters. (Sam HARIRI / AFP)
Syria's security forces enter the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on July 15, 2025, following clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters. (Sam HARIRI / AFP)

An Israeli defense official says the IDF strikes against Syrian forces in the Sweida area a short while ago are “exceptionally large-scale.”

“The State of Israel sees this as a test of its policy to demilitarize southern Syria and its commitment to the Druze,” the official adds.

The IDF confirms carrying out strikes on Syrian military vehicles in the Sweida area “per the directives of the political echelon.”

The strikes were carried out after the military said it had identified last night a convoy of Syrian armored vehicles heading toward the Druze city of Sweida, where deadly clashes with Bedouin tribes have been taking place.

“The IDF struck several armored vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, multiple rocket launchers, as well as access routes, to disrupt their arrival in the area,” the military says.

The IDF adds that it continues to monitor the developments in Syria.

A short while ago the Syrian defense minister announced a ceasefire in the city following the clashes.

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