Syrian Regime Tightens Grip on Druze Minority in Sweida

Syrian leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani is intensifying his crackdown on minority groups, with the Druze community in the southern Sweida province now facing severe pressure. This follows Julani's previous suppression of Alawites and Druze, and his subjugation of Kurdish forces, as he seeks to consolidate his exclusive rule over Syria. The Druze, concentrated in Sweida, are the last significant opposition to his regime.

Sweida province is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a tight blockade imposed by the Syrian regime. Julani's agenda, since his December 2024 coup, has been to eliminate power centers, enforce Islamic law, and erase minorities from the political landscape. After crushing the Alawites and Druze and subduing the Kurds, his focus is now on dismantling the Druze community, sowing internal discord, and taking control of Sweida.

The Syrian regime is exerting immense pressure on Sweida to force its surrender. The province, also known as Mount Hermon, represents the final obstacle to the regime's complete sovereignty. While the Kurds have integrated with the regime and the Alawites suffer daily persecution, the Druze remain the primary opposition.

Recently, Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri declared the Syrian Druze community considers itself part of Israel, stating, "We are an inseparable part of the State of Israel. Even in faith, we are partners with this state, the State of Israel." The article asserts that without Israeli intervention, the Syrian regime and its allies would have annihilated the Druze, noting that Israel has prevented their destruction multiple times and that the Druze are a "red line" for Israel.

Despite this, the Damascus regime, with Turkish backing, has established checkpoints and deployed Turkish-made military vehicles, tightening the siege on Sweida. For days, the regime has blocked essential supplies like food, medicine, and fuel from entering the province. The blockade has led to water pumping cessation, power disruptions, and a non-operational hospital generator in Sweida, worsening the humanitarian situation with dwindling supplies and food shortages.

The article posits that only Israel can save the Druze in Sweida, given their direct communication with Israeli decision-makers. It criticizes American envoy Tom Barrack for abandoning minorities and supporting the Syrian regime. The author urges the Israeli Defense Minister to order the IDF to deliver food, fuel, weapons, and drones to Sweida, framing the defense of the Druze as a moral and security imperative to prevent "ISIS soldiers of the regime" from reaching Israel's border.