Sweida, a southern Syrian province largely populated by the Druze minority, is witnessing a surge in deadly sectarian violence. Armed clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes have escalated dramatically. What started as local kidnappings has grown into a full-scale crisis, the worst since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in late 2024.
The violence has killed more than 240 people and forced thousands to flee. Government troops were sent to restore calm, but their actions made the situation worse. Many Druze fighters believe the regime now supports the Sunni Bedouin tribes. This perception has deepened distrust toward Syria’s new leadership, which leans toward Islamist ideologies.
Israel responded quickly and forcefully. Its military launched airstrikes targeting Syrian tanks and artillery heading toward Sweida. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the goal was to “prevent harm” to the Druze and maintain southern Syria as a demilitarised zone. They cited “deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel” as a key reason for intervening.
The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority whose beliefs stem from Ismaili Shiism. In Syria, they mainly live in Sweida and areas near Damascus. Historically, they have stayed neutral in conflicts, relying on local militias for protection, especially from jihadist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, who consider them heretics.
After Assad’s fall in December 2024, Sunni Islamist factions seized power. Although new President Ahmad al-Sharaa promised to protect minority rights, his links to extremist groups and the presence of hardline Islamists in his government have made minorities, including the Druze, feel unsafe. Under Assad, they had enjoyed autonomy and religious freedom.
The current unrest began when Bedouin tribesmen robbed a checkpoint and attacked a Druze man. In response, tit-for-tat attacks followed. When Syrian forces tried to intervene, many Druze saw them not as peacekeepers but as enemies. Local leaders accused the regime of killing 19 Druze civilians, worsening the already fragile situation.
Israel’s airstrikes weren’t just about protecting the Druze. According to The Times of Israel, officials said the strikes were “exceptionally large-scale.” Israel also bombed the gates of Syria’s Ministry of Defence to send a warning.
There are three main reasons behind Israel’s actions:
Cultural Ties: Many Druze families in Israel have relatives in Syria, especially near the Golan Heights, which Israel annexed in 1981.
Internal Pressure: Israeli Druze groups urged the government to act to prevent a possible massacre.
Security Strategy: Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Israel has expanded its regional military strategy. Southern Syria offers a buffer against Iran and Islamist militants. Tel Aviv wants to make sure no hostile forces control that area.
Netanyahu and Katz stated, “We are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them, and to ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border with Syria.”
While Israel presents its actions as humanitarian, analysts see a deeper plan. By defending the Druze, Israel secures a military foothold in southern Syria. It also sends a strong message to Damascus: any aggression near the Israeli border will provoke a military response.
The chaos in Sweida gives Israel a chance to shape Syria’s future. With the US focused elsewhere and Russia tied up in Ukraine, Israel may try to fill the power gap. Its actions reflect a bigger West Asian strategy: use targeted force, build strategic alliances, and project power in unstable regions.
Still, not everyone supports Israeli involvement. Many Druze leaders in Syria want to stay neutral and independent. According to Xinhua, even after a ceasefire was declared, a Druze spiritual leader urged fighters to resist.
This shows that while some see Israel as a savior, others fear manipulation. The Druze community is split — some appreciate the protection, others worry they are being used as political pawns.
The situation remains unstable. Israel risks sparking new conflicts with groups like Hezbollah or Iran-backed militias. Inside Israel, experts fear retaliation as military actions continue in Syria.
So, is Israel stabilising southern Syria or inviting more chaos?
The truth may be both. By stepping in to protect the Druze, Israel strengthens its position but also risks deepening regional tensions. Its involvement reflects a growing belief that in today’s West Asia, security, diplomacy, and humanitarianism are no longer separate — they are all part of the same power strategy.
