Israeli Minister Calls for the Assassination of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, has called for the assassination of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, labeling him as a "terrorist" and a "brutal murderer."

As quoted from the New Arab, the statement came after Syrian military and security forces entered the southern city of Suwayda, where deadly clashes between Druze and tribal groups have erupted in the past few days. Shortly after, Israeli airstrikes hit the Syrian capital, Damascus, including areas near the defense ministry and the presidential palace.

At least three people were reported dead and 18 others injured, according to initial reports. The Israeli military stated that the attack was carried out under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"If it looks like Hamas, talks like Hamas, and acts like Hamas, then it is Hamas," said Chikli. He likened Sharaa and his government to the armed Palestinian group.

"We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamo-Nazi terrorist regime run by al-Qaeda elements in suits. Shar’a is a terrorist. It’s better to eliminate him now," he added.

Chikli accused the Syrian government of massacring the Druze community. In contrast, Israel overlooks its war crimes in Gaza, the West Bank, and airstrikes on other countries in the region, including Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also spoke out against what he called a "brutal massacre" perpetrated by the regime of Ahmed Al-Sharaa against the Druze in southern Syria.

Smotrich claimed that the massacre proves that the leadership of Syria has always been cruel and brutal Islamic extremists. He said Israel must maintain control over buffer zones and Mount Hermon, areas occupied since Assad's fall, to protect settlements in the Golan Heights.

"We will continue to defend Druze in southern Syria by any means necessary," said Smotrich.

Syrian President Vows to Protect Druze

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared the protection of the Druze community as a top priority for the country. This statement was made on Thursday, July 17, 2025, following the escalation of violence in southern Syria and Israeli airstrikes hitting the Syrian capital, Damascus, the day before.

As reported by Al Jazeera, al-Sharaa stated that the security responsibility in the city of Suwayda will be handed over to religious leaders and local groups. This move was taken after clashes broke out for several days between Druze armed groups, Bedouin tribes, and government forces, which according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, has killed more than 360 people.

“We are eager on holding accountable those who transgressed and abused our Druze people because they are under the protection and responsibility of the state," said al-Sharaa. He emphasized that protecting their rights and freedoms is one of the top priorities.

The statement was made after the Syrian government and Druze leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou announced a ceasefire in the city and stated that the army had begun withdrawing from Suwayda.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. He stated on Monday that protecting the Druze community is Syria's responsibility. He warned other countries not to interfere in Syria's internal affairs.

Editor’s Choice: Israel Bombards Syria, Claiming Defense for Druze Minority

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