IDF using tear gas amid chaotic scenes as Druze breach border with Syria

By Emanuel Fabian

You will receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

You will no longer receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

16 July 2025, 1:33 pm

Edit

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

Israeli troops use tear gas to disperse the crowds as Druze attempt to cross the Syrian border on the Golan Heights near Majdal Shams on July 16, 2025 (Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

There is chaos on the Israeli-Syrian border, as dozens of Druze civilians breach the border barrier and enter Syria.

Footage shows hundreds of people gathered in the area.

The IDF is attempting to gain control of the situation with riot dispersal means.

Yesterday, dozens of Druze residents of Israel entered Syria, before returning hours later. The IDF announced it would be bolstering forces following yesterday’s incident.

Meanwhile, AFP reports that the IDF is also using tear gas to repel Syrian Druze trying to enter Israel.

The incidents come amid deadly clashes in the Druze-majority city of Sweida in southern Syria.