Israel Bombs Syria to Protect Druze: Who Are They?
Syria's military entered a stronghold for the Druze community in the country's south on Tuesday, as reported by the government. This action reignited fears of attacks against minorities and led to Israeli strikes on the forces dispatched by Damascus.
Clashes occurred over the weekend between Druze forces and Bedouin tribes in the southern city of Suwayda, resulting in 30 deaths and numerous injuries. The Syrian government intervened, losing eighteen soldiers in the clashes.
Islamist forces aligned with the Syrian government joined the conflict, raising concerns among the Druze community. A prominent community figure called for international protection.
Israel, committed to safeguarding the Druze in Syria, launched fresh strikes against advancing Syrian government forces near Suwayda and vowed to continue protecting the group.
The Syrian foreign ministry reported civilian and security force casualties from the strikes but did not provide specific numbers. The ministry condemned the Israeli attacks as a violation of Syrian sovereignty and an example of foreign interference.
The Druze are an Arab sect of around one million people residing primarily in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. In southern Syria's Suwayda province, where the Druze are the majority, the community faced challenges during the country's civil war.
Originating in Egypt in the 11th century, the Druze practice a unique form of Islam that prohibits conversions and intermarriage. In Syria, the Druze community is concentrated near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, alongside around 25,000 Jewish settlers. Most Druze in the Golan identify as Syrian and declined Israeli citizenship when the region was annexed.
After the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa pledged to protect all communities but has faced challenges in integrating Druze militias into the unified military.
Following a ceasefire agreement, Syria's Defense Minister deployed military police to regulate conduct in Suwayda. Israel has vowed to prevent harm to the Druze in Syria due to historical ties with the community.
Israeli Druze live in northern Israel and have been conscripted into the military since 1957. Israel declared a demilitarization zone in southern Syria, which has been rejected by the Syrian government.
Despite efforts for reconciliation, Israel's continued strikes on Syria complicate normalization efforts. Talks between Israel and the new Syrian government have taken place, indicating shifting dynamics between the former adversaries.