Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have instructed the military to protect the Druze residents of Jaramana, a suburb located south of Damascus.

This directive was publicly announced by Netanyahu's office amidst reports of explosions and gunfire in the area late Saturday.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not allow what he described as the 'extremist Islamic regime in Syria' to harm the Druze, warning of retaliatory strikes against the Syrian government if they threaten Druze in Jaramana.

Reports indicate heightened tensions in Jaramana following the deaths of two internal security personnel at the hands of armed individuals in the area.

A local security source reported the presence of armed groups on the streets and rooftops, leading to increased security measures in the city, with checkpoints established at all entrances and exits.

Syrian authorities have given these armed groups a five-day ultimatum to surrender their weapons and dismantle their barricades while deploying additional security reinforcements to the region.

Negotiations between Jaramana’s community leaders and the security administration are underway to facilitate the disarmament process and to establish security posts within the city.

A member of a community group in Jaramana, Rabi' Munther, stated that they are Syrian Arabs committed to their land and that their community did not request protection from any external force.

He asserted that the Syrian administration would respond to Netanyahu's remarks and emphasized the need for a direct and effective dialogue with the new authorities to address security concerns in the city.

During a graduation ceremony for new infantry troops, Netanyahu stated that Israel would not allow groups such as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham or the Syrian army to enter southern Damascus.

He confirmed that Israel would remain proactive in protecting the Druze community in Sweida from potential threats.

The region of southern Syria has seen protests in recent days in response to Netanyahu's calls for the disarmament of local groups and the prevention of the Syrian military's presence.

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant reiterated that the Israeli military will maintain a long-term position in the buffer zone with Syria, ensuring that no forces posing a threat to Israeli security can establish themselves from the area leading to Sweida or Damascus.

Simultaneously, U.S. Central Command has announced the killing of a senior leader of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Hurras ad-Din in a drone strike in northwestern Syria.

Mohammad Yusuf Diyah Talai, a prominent military commander in Hurras ad-Din, was targeted in this operation, marking continued U.S. efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Central Command reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with regional allies to obstruct terrorists' capabilities to plan and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel.

The tensions in Jaramana coincide with broader security challenges in Syria, where authorities have been grappling with internal violence and the need to consolidate control since the shift in power dynamics in December.

Observers have reported conflicts, including recent clashes between local armed groups and security forces, leading to injuries and fatalities.

Security officials have indicated that these disturbances are partly attributed to remnants of the previous regime, which they are actively working to suppress.

As the Syrian government continues its security operations, communities in regions like Jaramana remain vigilant regarding the implications of external assertions of influence and ongoing local unrest.

The socio-political landscape in southern Syria is evolving, with many residents advocating for stability and questioning the necessity of foreign military involvement.