Syrian Druze Near Israeli Border Seek Closer Ties Amid Regional Instability

Dr. Daabous Najem, a Golan Heights native who studied in Syria and remained there after marrying, is now working in a clinic in the Syrian village of Khader, near the Israeli border. The clinic, one of five aided by the Israeli military (IDF) with equipment and supplies, serves approximately 19 patients daily for free, with Najem earning a modest $100 monthly. He crossed into Syria in 2004 and, following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the subsequent Israeli military presence, found himself in Khader. He expresses a deep longing to return to his hometown of Ein Qiniya in the Israeli Golan Heights but feels unsafe traveling to Damascus due to his fluency in Hebrew, fearing persecution by those who would view him as a traitor.

The IDF has established a presence in strategic areas of southern Syria following the regime's fall, including the Hermon ridge and the Khader area, which are considered vital for defending Israel's northern border. The military has provided advanced equipment, medicine, and even an ambulance to local clinics, some of which now include maternity wards. Najem often serves as an interpreter for Israeli soldiers visiting the clinic, advocating for essential lab equipment to improve diagnostic capabilities.

The region is fraught with danger, with numerous factions including the new regime, ISIS, Hamas, Iranian-backed groups, and others vying for control. The Druze population in the Hermon villages faces a precarious existence, caught between loyalty to their homeland and the desire for safety and stability. Many express a preference for Israeli protection, fearing reprisal from the new Syrian regime or other hostile elements if they openly align with Israel.

Israel aims to foster a relationship with the Syrian Druze community that provides support without creating dependency or severing their ties to Syria. This approach, different from earlier initiatives like "Good Neighborliness," seeks to mitigate security risks associated with direct Israeli medical facilities. The IDF is also exploring economic cooperation, including potential employment for Syrian Druze in Israel's agricultural sector and the development of industrial zones in the Syrian buffer zone.

Despite the complexities and the inherent risks of intelligence gathering by hostile actors, Israel is cautiously developing a reciprocal relationship with the Syrian Druze, acknowledging their shared history and mutual support. The ongoing situation highlights the difficult choices faced by the Druze community, who desire Israeli protection but are hesitant to openly declare allegiance due to the volatile regional dynamics.