Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed during a conference with members of the Druze community in northern Israel that he personally spoke with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Netanyahu was presumably referring to the 2025 incidents when loyalists of al-Sharaa were carrying out a killing spree of the Druze in southern Syria shortly after the fall of the Assad regime in order to the newly established Sunni-majority rule. "It was a very short, very sharp conversation, and the massacre stopped," he said, and added, "I will do everything necessary to protect our Druze brothers."
Netanyahu's statement could be the first time an Israeli prime minister confirms direct contact with a Syrian president.
During an inspection tour of the newly constructed security fortification along the eastern border on Thursday, Netanyahu was joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Borders and Seam Line Administration head Maj.-Gen. Eran Ofir, 96th Division 96 commander Brig.-Gen. Oren Simcha, and additional military leaders.
To enhance perimeter defenses and solidify protective infrastructure throughout the eastern sector, senior commanders presented comprehensive briefings regarding active and finalized operational measures.
"I am here in the Jordan Valley near Kibbutz Massada, together with the Defense Minister and IDF commanders. What you see behind me is the massive barrier we are building along the eastern border, from the Yarmouk [River] to Eilat," Netanyahu said in a video message. "We are building this as an addition to our security. This is in addition to the security zones we hold in Lebanon, Syria, and, of course, the Gaza Strip."
Continuing his remarks, Netanyahu emphasized, "We are surrounding the State of Israel with a massive barrier, but not just that. There are forces here, there is a work plan, anti-drone plans, I won't go into details. Simply maximum defense so that we can protect the citizens of Israel and prevent anyone from even thinking about invading the State of Israel."
Elaborating on the scale of the operation, he continued with a stern warning: "There is enormous work here – massive engineering work, massive logistical work, mobilization of the Israel Defense Forces, mobilization of the reserves. All of this power comes to say to Israel's enemies: Do not test us."
