Israel Strikes Syrian Government Forces to Defend Druze Minority

Latest Developments

Strikes Ordered by ‘Political Echelon’: Following a “directive from the political echelon,” the IDF conducted airstrikes against Syrian government forces moving toward the southern Syrian city of Suwayda, the scene of violent clashes between pro-government forces and the members of the Druze minority. The IDF stated that it struck “several armored fighting vehicles consisting of tanks, [armored personnel carriers] and [multiple launch rocket systems], as well as access roads, in order to disrupt the convoys’ arrival to the area.” The recent strikes came one day after Israel struck a convoy of Syrian tanks and personnel carriers as a “warning” that it would enforce its policy of demilitarization in southern Syria, where the majority of Syria’s Druze reside.
Government Forces Enter Suwayda: Syrian forces entered Suwayda for the first time on July 15, confiscating weapons. Druze leaders announced that they welcomed the government’s forces and called for all militias to disarm. However, clashes continued between the Druze and government forces despite an announcement from Syria’s defense minister that the government and Druze leaders agreed to a ceasefire on July 15.
Israeli Druze Protest for International Awareness: Israeli Druze citizens protested in northern Israel, demanding that the international community do more to protect their coreligionists in Syria. Dozens of Druze civilians reportedly crossed the border into Syria from near the majority Druze town of Majdal Shams. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz released a joint statement stating, “Israel is committed to preventing harm being inflicted on the Druze in Syria, owing to the deep covenant of blood with our Druze citizens in Israel and their historical and familial link to the Druze in Syria.”

FDD Expert Response

“Israel’s current policy of acting against Syrian government forces that have attacked the Druze minority is just. However, Israel must be careful not to get itself entrenched in an internal Syrian matter. The Israeli military has been in a state of war for more than 21 months on multiple fronts. If Israel intends to continue to act against Syrian forces when the Druze are threatened, the decision-makers in Jerusalem must establish a viable long-term strategy that takes into account the limits of IDF action.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has once again shown that he has limited control over some of the fighters in his ranks. Images of abuse, humiliation, and vandalism have proliferated despite the Syrian Defense Ministry directing its forces not to harm civilians. The United States should pressure Sharaa to hold those who committed violent human rights abuses accountable. Rather than pursue a military solution, Sharaa should seek a political settlement with the Druze. If he fails, the United States should reconsider its sanctions relief to Syria.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst