Jerusalem: A total of 20 Druze from Syria's southern Suwayda province will undergo firefighting training in Israel, marking a significant first, Israeli media reported Thursday. The initiative aims to equip the participants with essential firefighting skills and knowledge, enhancing their capability to manage fire-related emergencies in their home region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the training program will involve a three-week intensive course utilizing Israel's latest firefighting simulation systems. The Syrian participants, all of whom are Druze, will be trained to handle complex scenarios such as vehicle fires, residential blazes, and commercial-center fires. Additionally, they will learn professional rescue techniques applicable to hazardous environments.

Upon completing the program, the Druze trainees are expected to return home equipped with professional firefighting gear and a new fire truck. This will enable them to establish a firefighting center in the Druze region across the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The initiative is spearheaded by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in coordination with the Israeli National Security Council.

There has been no comment from Syrian authorities on the report. However, Damascus maintains that it ensures equal rights for all components of Syrian society, including the Druze. It also accuses Israel of using claims of support for the Druze community as a pretext for interfering in Syria's internal affairs.

Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and has expanded its control following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in late 2024. In addition to Syrian territory, Israel occupies parts of Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, and has consistently refused to revert to the pre-June 1967 borders or allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.