JERUSALEM, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel would issue work permits for Druze citizens of Syria to work in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday.

The move would be made "soon," Katz said in a statement, without specifying the exact timeline.

Katz added that the permits would be issued as part of a government plan. "The government is now approving an unprecedented aid plan for the Druze and Circassian communities in Israel," he noted.

The minister praised the "loyalty, bravery, and contribution to Israel's security" of the Druze citizens, many of whom serve in the Israeli military. "We will continue to strengthen them and also protect their brethren in Syria against any threat," he added.

Druze people primarily live in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, with smaller groups in Jordan. Israel has been working to solidify ties with the Druze community since expanding its territorial control near the border with Syria and in the occupied Golan Heights following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024.

Earlier this month, following an outbreak of unrest between security forces and local gunmen in the Druze area of Syria's Jaramana, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz ordered military troops to defend the Druze population there.

"Israel will not allow the regime of radical Islam in Syria to harm the Druze community," they said in a joint statement, vowing to take "all necessary steps" to ensure Druze people's safety. Enditem

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