Why Israel protecting the Druze in Syria

Druze and Christians in Syria

The Background: Why is Israel Targeting Syria?

The strategic interests that drive Israeli strikes in Syria are deeply rooted in the complex geopolitical landscape of the region. Since the outbreak of Syria's civil war in 2011, the conflict has drawn in numerous regional and global actors, creating a battleground for competing interests.

One of the primary concerns for Israel is the growing Iranian influence in Syria. Iran, a long-standing adversary of Israel, has used the chaos of Syria’s civil war to expand its presence through both direct military involvement and its support of proxy groups, most notably Hezbollah. This includes the construction of weapons depots, military bases, and missile systems aimed at Israel. Israel has long viewed a permanent Iranian military foothold in Syria as a direct threat to its security.

In addition to Iran's growing presence, Syria has become a base of operations for Hezbollah, which has fought alongside Syrian government forces. Hezbollah, with the backing of Iran, has repeatedly launched rocket attacks on Israel from Lebanon, and its involvement in Syria only heightens concerns over future confrontations.

The druze in Syria 

The Druze, a unique religious and ethnic minority, form a significant part of the demographic mosaic of Syria.

 Though their numbers are relatively small compared to other groups in the region, their influence, particularly in the mountainous areas of Syria, is profound.

 The Druze community has managed to navigate centuries of political upheaval, cultural shifts, and religious challenges while maintaining a strong sense of identity and a distinct social structure.

 Today, their position in Syria is shaped by the larger geopolitical conflicts that have engulfed the country, yet their resilience continues to define them.

Origins and Beliefs

The Druze religion originated in the 11th century, as a branch of Ismaili Shia Islam, which is itself a branch of the larger Shia sect. The movement was founded by a figure named Al-Darazi and, later, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the Fatimid caliph of Egypt. While the Druze share certain historical and theological roots with Islam, their beliefs diverged significantly over time, and they formed a distinct religious identity.

The Druze believe in the concept of reincarnation, which distinguishes them from both Sunni and Shia Muslims. They also believe in a transcendent, hidden god and revere figures such as Al-Hakim, who is seen as a divine manifestation. The Druze faith is esoteric, meaning that only a select group of individuals (known as ‘uqqal) are initiated into the deeper theological teachings. The majority of Druze, known as juhhal, adhere to the external practices of the faith without delving into its more mystic elements.

Demographics

Syria is home to one of the largest Druze populations in the Middle East. The vast majority of Syria’s Druze community resides in the southern regions of the country, particularly in the province of Suwayda. The mountainous terrain of the Jabal al-Druze (Mountain of the Druze) has historically provided a natural barrier against external invaders and has allowed the Druze to maintain a degree of autonomy throughout centuries of foreign occupation, including during the Ottoman and French mandates.

The Druze of Syria, like those in Lebanon and Israel, have been able to maintain a distinct identity, though they have often had to navigate complex relationships with neighboring communities. Historically, they have experienced periods of tension with both Sunni and Shia Muslims, but also periods of cooperation and peaceful coexistence. This delicate balancing act has been central to their survival and continued presence in the region.

In Syria, the Druze population is estimated to be around 3% of the total population, which amounts to approximately 1 million people.

 The Druze of Syria have tended to remain in their traditional strongholds in the south, though some have migrated to larger cities or abroad, particularly in the wake of the civil war that has gripped Syria since 2011.

The civil war 

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has had a profound impact on all communities in Syria, but the Druze have faced unique challenges due to their position as a minority group with a separate religious and social identity. 

The conflict has exacerbated the sectarian divisions in the country, with Sunni Arab, Shia Alawite, and Kurdish factions vying for control over territory, power, and influence.

Early in the conflict, the Druze community sought to maintain a neutral stance, wary of being drawn into the broader Sunni-Shia civil war that was unfolding in Syria. 

The Druze leadership, particularly in Suwayda, emphasized the importance of preserving their autonomy and protecting their people from the violence that was sweeping across the country.

However, neutrality has been difficult to maintain, as various factions have attempted to win the Druze over to their side. 

The Assad regime, led by the Alawite sect, has tried to retain the loyalty of the Druze, offering them protection in exchange for their support.

 While some Druze have supported the Syrian government, particularly in the form of local militias or as conscripts in the Syrian Army, many Druze leaders have resisted taking an active role in the conflict. They have instead focused on securing the safety of their communities and maintaining stability in the Suwayda region.

The rise of extremist groups like ISIS and the al-Nusra Front (Al-Qaeda's Syrian branch) has further complicated the situation for the Druze.

 These groups have targeted minority populations, including the Druze, and in 2015, ISIS carried out a massacre of Druze civilians in the region of Idlib. This attack, which killed over 20 Druze civilians, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted greater concern over the security of Druze villages, many of which are located near conflict zones.

While some Druze have been co-opted by the Assad regime, many have distanced themselves from the violence and tried to remain neutral. The war has also seen an increase in Druze involvement with local self-defense militias, particularly in the southern part of the country. These militias, which often operate independently from the central government, have sought to protect Druze areas from both extremist threats and incursions from other Syrian factions.

The role of Israel 

The government of Israel said it very clear in the meeting yesterday,  that they will not allow the newly elected government of Al-Sharaa to target the minority groups in Syria especially the Druze community. 

With its long history ties with Israel,  the Druze community has always been in support for a Jewish state in Palestine, and their leadership keep themselves away from Arab nationalism and hate propaganda towards Israel. 

Therefore Israel considers the Druze as loyal group in Syria and Israel , also as a pretext for targeting their opponents in Syria.