Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the army to prepare for action in defense of Jaramana, a Druze-majority city on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria.

According to a statement issued by Katz’s office, the city is “currently under attack by the forces of the Syrian regime.”

Katz made it clear that Israel would not tolerate any aggression against the Druze population in Syria.

“We will not allow the extreme Islamic regime in Syria to harm the Druze. If the regime harms the Druze, it will be struck by us,” he warned.

Reaffirming Israel’s commitment to its Druze community, Katz emphasized that steps would be taken to ensure the safety of their counterparts across the border.

“We are committed to our Druze brothers in Israel to do everything to prevent harm to their Druze brothers in Syria, and we will take all the steps required to maintain their safety,” he stated.

Reports from Syria indicate ongoing clashes between Syrian authorities and local gunmen in Jaramana as part of a security campaign in the area.