Following the attack on Druze in southern Syria, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that "signals in Damascus are over - painful blows will follow. The IDF will continue to operate forcefully in As-Suwayda to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until their complete withdrawal." He addressed Druze who crossed the border in the Golan Heights: "Our brothers, you can count on the Israel Defense Forces to protect your brothers in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I as Defense Minister have made a commitment - and we will stand by it."

