On Tuesday, Syria’s military made a significant advance by entering a stronghold of the Druze community in southern Syria, a move that has sparked fears of increased violence against minority groups. The Syrian government reported that this intervention came after recent clashes between Druze forces and Bedouin tribes in the city of Suwayda, which resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals and left dozens more injured. The situation escalated over the weekend, prompting the Syrian government to intervene militarily, resulting in the loss of 18 soldiers from their ranks.
The ongoing conflict has attracted the attention of Islamist forces allied with the Syrian government, further heightening concerns within the Druze community. In response to the increased tensions, a prominent Druze leader has called for international protection to safeguard their community. Meanwhile, Israel has responded by launching airstrikes against Syrian government forces that are advancing toward Suwayda, reaffirming its commitment to protect the Druze population.
The Israeli government stated that it would continue to conduct strikes to defend the Druze community in Syria, which it considers a strategic ally. The Syrian foreign ministry has condemned these Israeli airstrikes, labeling them as a "blatant violation of sovereignty" and a prime example of foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs. Reports indicate that several civilians and security personnel were killed during the Israeli attacks, although specific casualty figures were not disclosed.
The Druze are an Arab religious sect with an estimated population of around one million, primarily residing in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. In southern Syria, particularly in Suwayda province, the Druze have historically found themselves caught between the forces of the Assad regime and various extremist groups throughout the country’s decade-long civil war. This unique community originated in Egypt during the 11th century and practices a distinct offshoot of Islam that prohibits conversion and intermarriage.
In the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967, approximately 20,000 Druze live alongside around 25,000 Jewish settlers. Most Druze in this region identify as Syrian and have historically rejected Israeli citizenship, opting instead for Israeli residency status.
Following the overthrow of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa promised a more inclusive governance model that would protect all of the country's diverse communities. However, Sunni extremist factions linked to his regime have continued to violently confront religious minorities, including the Druze. Recent violent confrontations, such as a crackdown on the Alawite sect and clashes with Druze militias, have intensified tensions.
The disarmament of Druze militias remains a contentious issue, as al-Sharaa seeks to consolidate various armed factions under a unified military command. However, the Druze community has staunchly insisted on maintaining their independent militias, creating a significant barrier to cooperation.
In light of these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to safeguarding the Druze community in Syria, citing deep cultural and historical ties with the Druze citizens in Israel. The Israeli Druze community, numbering around 130,000, has a unique relationship with the Israeli military, as they have been conscripted since 1957 and often hold prominent positions within the armed forces.
Israel has unilaterally declared a demilitarization zone in southern Syria, which the Syrian government has rejected. This situation complicates the dynamics in the region, especially as Israel remains cautious of extremist groups operating near its borders.
On Tuesday, Druze spiritual leader Hikmat Al-Hijri called for international intervention to address what he described as a "barbaric campaign" against the Druze community. Contrastingly, some Druze leaders have expressed support for the Syrian government's intervention in Suwayda, urging armed groups in the area to disarm and engage in dialogue with the authorities.
This situation raises questions about the potential for Israel to establish a diplomatic relationship with a country it has consistently targeted with airstrikes. Despite ongoing military actions, there have been indications of shifting dynamics between Israel and the new Syrian government, particularly after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
While the U.S. administration has been encouraging Israel to normalize relations with Syria, the ongoing conflicts and military strikes create significant hurdles to achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.
