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Lior Ben Ari
Ynet News, July 16, 2025
“Israel is committed to preventing harm to Druze in Syria, due to the deep bond of brotherhood with our Druze citizens in Israel and their historical and family ties with the Druze in Syria. We are acting to stop the Syrian regime from harming them and to enforce the demilitarization of the area adjacent to our border with Syria.”
The ongoing violence in Syria’s southern Sweida province between the country’s Druze minority and regime forces did not erupt in a vacuum. Tensions between the country’s new regime and minority groups have simmered since the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar Assad, despite claims of stability by the government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
In recent months, heavy clashes between Druze residents and armed groups have been reported in areas surrounding Damascus, including the cities of Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. In March, a massacre of members of the Alawite minority took place in coastal Syria, where entire families were reportedly killed.
The Kurdish minority, concentrated in Syria’s northeast, is closely watching the unfolding events in Sweida with growing concern. The escalating fighting with the Druze has revived fears about their own future, particularly as they have yet to reach a comprehensive understanding with al-Sharaa’s regime. Kurdish leaders have also voiced discomfort over reports of warming ties between Israel and the Syrian government.
Many Kurdish figures view President al-Sharaa as ultimately responsible for the rising violence against minorities, despite official denials from his administration. …SOURCE