Why Is Israel Bombing Syria?
The foremost cause of Israel taking a bold front against Syria was a long-held need for security, regional planning, and ethnic alignment. The direct cause was an outbreak of violence in the Sweida province of southern Syria. This area is vastly dominated by the Druze minority. Battles broke out between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes. Almost 100 people were killed.
This led to the Syrian government sending tanks and troops into Sweida. This raised fears of oppression against the Druze people. Israel acted out of both humanitarian and strategic interests. It launched airstrikes against Syria’s military infrastructure, which included tanks and artillery sites.
Israel—particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—made its position clear. Israel would not accept Syrian military forces south of Damascus. This was due to the strong security risks near the Golan Heights, which borders Israeli territory.
Beyond direct conflict, Israel’s actions reflect a broader geopolitical strategy. Syria’s weakening and fragmentation into smaller entities is seen by Israel as favorable. Israel believes federalist forces, especially among the Druze and Kurds, will reduce central Syrian power. This could prevent hostile regimes, like Iranian-backed militias or ISIS remnants, from rising near its borders.
Impact of Assad Regime Ending
The fall of Assad’s regime would allow Israel to reshape regional political dynamics. Syria could become fertile ground for alliances between autonomous ethnic minorities. This might also open the door for Israeli involvement. The goal would be to prevent threats from a unified adversary state. In this light, Israel’s airstrikes are not only defensive. They are part of a strategic design to influence the post-war Syrian regime’s future.
Origin of the Druze in Syria
The Druze is a religious community with a rich history of unique people. It evolved in the 11th century during the rule of Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah in Egypt. The Druze religion began as a branch of Ismaili Shia Islam. A travel through history took the Druze faith in a different direction. It added influences from Christianity, Jewish, Hindu, and Greek traditions upon the religion.
Druze are followers of the transmigration of the soul. They are very secretive about their code of religious teachings and rituals. These can only be read by the initiated. This mysticism has contributed to mapping their identity. It has lasted even centuries after persecution and political influence.
The Druze built fortifications in the mountains of Syria. These included Mount Hermon and the range of the Jabal al-Druze, which is the current Sweida province. These territories offered natural coverts. They ensured that the Druze enjoyed some sort of autonomy.
The Druze was allotted by the Ottoman state and other French colonial rulers. They were recognized as an independent community with their own leadership hierarchy. Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the Druze have mostly kept their regions safe. They did this by defending against the invasions brought forth by ISIS and other radical groups.
Currently, they have been promoting the federalist system in Syria. This system would give them larger leeway. This policy has put them at odds with the central government and the opposition forces.
Syria Army Headquarter
Druze in Israel: Why the Population Is Small
In Israel, the Druze community is not quite big and makes less than 143,000 people or about 1.6 percent of the entire population. The Druze present an interesting and dominant presence in Israeli society in spite of their numbers.
Druze men are unlike the other Arab citizens forced to compulsory service at Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which was established in 1956. This has created a high level of loyalty and integration among the Israeli Druze and most work in elite military units and under the government and in public service.
Their association with the Israeli state was formed way back in 1948 when drugs militias in the Arab-Israeli War joined forces with Jews.
The fact that the Druze population in Israel is small can be ascribed to a number of reasons. To begin with, Druze religion does not allow conversion and therefore the community can only expand through birth. Secondly, Druze communities are highly cohesive and located at the geographical cluster in mountainous areas like the Galilee, Mount Carmel and the Golan Heights, which it restrains the demographic growth.
Third, some of the Druze in Golan Heights continue to consider themselves to be Syrian and have rejected Israeli citizenship further cutting official population size of the Druze. Nevertheless, the Druze in Israel were able to remain faithful to their culture and culture and equally engaged in the civic and political life of the state.
Summary
Here is a brief summary of historical background of Druze ethnic group and the sectarian war in Syria. Find out why Israel has to do anything it can to protect the minority group.
Who Are the Druze?
The Druze are an Arabic-speaking religious minority whose faith is an esoteric offshoot of Ismaili Islam, incorporating elements from Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Greek philosophy.
– They live mainly in Syria (~700,000), Lebanon (~300,000), and Israel (~140,000).
– In Israel, Druze citizens serve in the military and hold political office, forming a strong bond with the state.
Why Is Israel Bombing Syria?
Israel claims its strikes are meant to protect the Druze in Syria, especially in Sweida, where:
– Syrian government forces allegedly joined Bedouin militias in attacking Druze fighters and civilians.
– Reports include summary executions, looting, and burning of homes.
– Over 300 people have died in recent clashes, including 27 Druze civilians.
Israel’s Strategic Motives
1. Border Security:
– Israel fears a power vacuum in southern Syria could allow anti-Israeli militias to gain ground near the Golan Heights.
– Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel would not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus.
2. Support for Federalism:
– Israel backs Druze and Kurdish calls for a federal Syria, believing a fragmented state would reduce threats and increase Israeli influence.
3. Geopolitical Leverage:
– With Assad ousted, Israel sees an opportunity to reshape regional dynamics and possibly normalize relations with Syria under the new regime.
Origin of the Druze in Syria
The Druze are a secretive monotheistic religious group that emerged in the 11th century from Ismaili Shia Islam in Egypt.
Historical Roots
Founded during the reign of Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, who was later deified by Druze theologians.
– The faith blends Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Greek philosophical elements.
– Early Druze communities formed in Mount Hermon, Jabal al-Druze, and Sweida in southern Syria.
Druze in Israel: Why the Population Is Small
Demographics
Druze in Israel number about 143,000, roughly 1.6% of the population.
– Concentrated in Galilee, Carmel, and the Golan Heights.
Historical Relationship with Israel
Druze sided with Israel during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
– Since 1956, Druze men have been conscripted into the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), unlike other Arab citizens.
– Many Druze have reached high-ranking positions in the military and government.
Reasons for Small Population
The Druze faith does not allow conversion, so growth is only through birth.
They live in tight-knit communities, often in mountainous regions, limiting expansion.
– Some Druze in the Golan Heights retain Syrian identity and reject Israeli citizenship.