Israeli Exploitation of Syrian Conflict Highlights Minority Vulnerabilities
The Israeli government is attempting to portray itself as a protector of Syria’s Druze minority amidst intense sectarian violence resulting from the Syrian authorities’ malaise in safeguarding minority rights. Analysts believe that Israel’s airstrikes and tactical moves are aimed at reshaping Syria’s geopolitics and establishing a buffer zone to thwart threats to its national security.
In the midst of escalating sectarian violence in Syria, the Israeli government is positioning itself as the champion of the Druze minority. Analysts from the region caution that this shift comes as a direct result of the Syrian government’s inability—or lack of will—to protect its minority groups following brutal attacks that reportedly left over 100 Druze individuals dead. Influential voices in the region, like Joseph Daher, highlight that the government has done little to quell the sectarian mob mentality or protect its citizens from this violence.
Much of the recent chaos erupted following the dissemination of a voice recording purportedly featuring a Druze cleric disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed. However, both Syrian authorities and Druze leaders have claimed this was a fabrication. Despite these clarifications, the violence did not cease, as Islamist extremists, allegedly connected to the government, targeted Druze-populated localities such as Jaramana and Sahnaya, forcing Druze gunmen to take up arms to defend their homes.
Israel has made its presence felt with a series of air strikes, including recent attacks near Syria’s Presidential Palace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified these actions as efforts to safeguard the Druze population and prevent further deployment of Syrian troops in southern regions. Analysts indicate that this timing is strategic, given the weakened state of Syria’s central authority amidst ongoing infighting and escalating sectarian conflict.
Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, suggests that Israel is eager to capitalize on the chaos, seeking to rearrange regional borders to benefit its interests. He explains that a fragmented Syria composed of states representing Druze, Kurdish, and Alawite people would strengthen Israel’s position. Essentially, Israel is aiming to create a buffer zone within a weakening Syrian state, the long-term goal being to prevent the emergence of a powerful government potentially sympathetic to anti-Israel sentiments.
Additionally, Israeli concerns extend to the Golan Heights, a territory of both strategic and symbolic importance. Israel currently controls two-thirds of it because of unilateral actions taken back in 1981 and further consolidation following Bashar Al Assad’s regime fallout in late 2024. Kahwaji noted that, as long as there is instability, Israel is likely to pursue further annexation of the Golan and seek Syrian concessions for legitimizing its sovereignty over the entirety of this territory.
The Syrian government has condemned Israel’s military actions, labeling them violations of international law and risks to regional stability. It has, however, insisted that it does not seek conflict with Israel. Notably, the Syrian authorities have placed blame on “outlaw groups” purportedly instigating violence in Druze-majority areas. Yet, skepticism persists, as activists accuse the regime of turning a blind eye to the violence perpetrated by radical factions using the false recording as an excuse.
Many believe this behavior is part of a broader strategy by the Syrian government to reassert control over fragmented areas while shifting the blame to extremist factions. A clear pattern has emerged wherein the government faces accusations of not safeguarding its citizens while simultaneously lacking accountability for previous abuses against various sects.
Daher cautions that while the majority of the Druze community lean towards rejecting any collaboration with Israel over sectarian tensions, the government’s negligence creates fertile ground for divisive narratives. Furthermore, a previous incident in March where government forces allegedly massacred civilians from the Alawite minority reflects an ongoing cycle where accountability remains elusive despite calls to investigate.
The situation in Syria showcases a complex interplay of sectarian violence, government failure, and opportunistic foreign intervention. With Israel seeking to exploit the Syrian government’s weaknesses, the Druze community finds itself in a precarious position. The lack of protective measures from the Syrian government raises serious concerns about minority rights, while the potential for Israeli influence looms large amidst the chaos. As sectarian tensions rise, the need for accountability and security has never been more pressing.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
