Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa says that protecting Druze citizens and their rights is “our priority”, as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria.

In his first televised statement after powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, Sharaa addressed Druze citizens saying “we reject any attempt to drag you into hands of an external party”.

“We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction, “he says.

He added that the Syrian people are not afraid of war and are ready to fight if their dignity is threatened.

Israel’s airstrikes blew up part of Syria’s defence ministry and hit near the presidential palace as it vowed to destroy government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria and demanded they withdraw.

The attacks marked a significant Israeli escalation against Sharaa’s Islamist-led administration. They came despite his warming ties with the United States (US) and his administration’s evolving security contacts with Israel.

Describing Syria’s new rulers as barely disguised jihadists, Israel has said it will not let them move forces into southern Syria and vowed to shield the area’s Druze community from attack, encouraged by calls from Israel’s own Druze minority.

The US says the fighting would stop soon.

“We have engaged all the parties involved in the clashes in Syria. We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio says.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will meet today to address the conflict, diplomats say.

“The council must condemn the barbaric crimes committed against innocent civilians on Syrian soil,” says Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon.

“Israel will continue to act resolutely against any terrorist threat on its borders, anywhere and at any time.”

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