Israeli Druze protest in Tel Aviv against a controversial law defining Israel as the "nation-state of the Jewish people," Aug. 4, 2018. (Credit: AFP)
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said that Israel will soon allow Syrian Druze to enter Israel for work in the Golan Heights, Israeli media outlets reported on Sunday.
According to Haaretz, the Israeli military is planning to "establish a dedicated administration, that will operate with residents of the Syrian Golan, as part of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories unit."
This administration will regulate the entry of Druze workers, who will mainly work in the construction and agricultural sectors. It will also assist with the supply of food and humanitarian aid equipment to residents of villages adjacent to the border fence.
Moreover, Katz said he “salutes” members of the Druze and Circassian communities in Israel for “their loyalty and bravery and their contribution to Israel’s security in difficult and crucial times.”
“We will continue to strengthen them and also protect their brothers in Syria against any threat,” he said.
Last week, Katz threatened military intervention in Syria against the new Damascus forces "if the regime harmed the Druze," particularly the Druze community of Jaramana, near the Syrian capital, where Druze gunmen clashed with the new government security forces.
Syria's Druze communities, especially in the southern province of Sweida, have been caught between new Syrian forces and invading Israeli troops. The province has a rich history of protesting Syrian authorities and actively opposed the Assad government. Now, Druze communities are protesting against Israel’s airstrikes and military push into the country.
