Damascus, July 18, (V7N) – Political analysts warn that Israel is exploiting the Druze minority in Syria as a strategic tool to weaken the war-torn nation's internal structure. They argue that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is inciting internal unrest in Syria under the pretense of protecting the Druze community, with the real intention of preventing the country from achieving national unity and peace.

The Syrian situation has deteriorated further due to clashes between the Druze and Bedouin communities, ongoing military interventions by government forces, and a recent Israeli airstrike targeting Damascus, Syria’s capital. While Israel claims its involvement is aimed at ensuring the safety of the Druze, analysts believe this justification masks a broader geopolitical agenda.

The Druze, a religious minority that emerged in the 11th century through the ideology of Al-Tawhid (meaning monotheism), have historically maintained a distinct identity. Their beliefs are influenced by Greek, Persian, and Indian philosophies, and their sacred scripture is known as Kitab al-Hikma (Book of Wisdom). Globally, the Druze population is estimated to be around 1 million.

Of these, approximately 152,000 Druze live in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, many of whom serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This close military connection has raised suspicions among Syrian observers, particularly following reports that at least 1,000 Israeli Druze have entered Syria, allegedly in support of their community.

Joel D. Parker, a Middle East specialist at Tel Aviv University, expressed concern: “I have never seen Israel officially allow its citizens to enter a hostile country. Those who have entered Syria may be armed. This looks like a calculated message from Israel.”

Former Israeli ambassador Alon Pincus also criticized the move as “completely opportunistic.” He pointed out that no similar aid was extended to Kurdish groups, suggesting a political bias: “This has less to do with supporting the Druze and more to do with Benjamin Netanyahu’s desire to keep Syria fragmented.”

Political analysts agree that Netanyahu views a unified and stable Syria under potential leadership such as Ahmed al-Shara as a threat to Israeli strategic interests. They argue that by stoking sectarian unrest, Netanyahu aims to prolong Syria’s instability, thereby preventing any regional power realignment that might challenge Israel’s dominance.

Syria hosts the largest Druze population in the region, with about 3 percent of its citizens following the faith. Most are concentrated in the Sweida region in southern Syria. Druze communities also exist in Lebanon and Jordan, but Syria remains their spiritual and demographic center.

As the conflict escalates and external actors deepen their involvement, observers warn that the Druze community’s security is being politicized, turning a vulnerable minority into a pawn in broader geopolitical power plays.

END/RH/AJ