In recent days, Syria’s southern province of Sweida has become a hotspot of violence involving the Druze minority, Syrian government forces, and Bedouin tribes, drawing intervention from Israel. The conflict, centered in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, escalated after a dispute involving the kidnapping of a Druze merchant, leading to deadly clashes that have killed nearly 250 people, including 27 Druze reportedly executed by Syrian forces. Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes on Syrian military targets, including the Defense Ministry in Damascus, claiming it is protecting the Druze community from a Syrian regime led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whom some Israeli officials label a jihadist threat.
Background of the Conflict
The Druze, a religious minority with roots in a 10th-century offshoot of Shiite Islam, number about one million globally, with over half residing in Syria, particularly in Sweida. Tensions flared when Syrian government troops, deployed to restore order after clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, were accused of siding with the Bedouins and attacking Druze civilians, including reports of looting and humiliation. Israel, citing historical and cultural ties with its own Druze population of roughly 130,000, who often serve in its military, has vowed to prevent a massacre, framing its intervention as a defense of a loyal allied community.
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Israel’s Military Involvement
Israel’s airstrikes, including rare attacks near Syria’s presidential palace and Defense Ministry, mark a significant escalation, with Israeli officials like Defense Minister Israel Katz warning of “painful blows” until Syrian forces withdraw from Sweida. The Israeli military has targeted Syrian army convoys and infrastructure, claiming it is necessary to secure its northern border and protect Druze civilians from a regime it accuses of brutality. Some 1,000 Israeli Druze breached the border into Syria to aid their kin, prompting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to bolster patrols to prevent further crossings.
Regional Implications
The violence has sparked fears of a wider sectarian conflict, especially after previous massacres of minorities like the Alawites under Syria’s new Islamist-led government. Israeli leaders, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have called for eliminating al-Sharaa, viewing his regime as a threat to regional stability and minority groups. The United States has expressed concern, reportedly urging Israel to halt its strikes, but Israel remains steadfast, prioritizing its strategic interests and the safety of the Druze, with whom it shares strong ties.
