Syrian Druze Province Faces Damascus Pressure, Posing Security Risk to Israel
The situation in Syria's southern Suwayda province, a major center for the Druze community, is escalating, potentially creating a new challenge for Israel along its border. According to Middle East expert Eddie Cohen writing for Israel's Channel 14, Damascus is intensifying pressure on the Druze, possibly aiming to fully subjugate the region.
Cohen suggests that after dealing with Kurdish forces, the Syrian leadership is now focusing on the Druze. Suwayda is reportedly under blockade, with Syrian security forces establishing additional checkpoints and restricting the delivery of essential goods like flour, fuel, and medicine. This has led to shortages of water, electricity, and fuel, impacting critical infrastructure, including medical facilities.
The potential consolidation of Syrian government control over Suwayda raises security concerns for Israel. Cohen believes this would allow Damascus to strengthen its hold on southern Syria and move its allied forces closer to the Israeli border. The presence of Turkish-made equipment near Suwayda's entrances has also been noted, with Cohen linking it to Turkish support for the Syrian regime.
Israel has a vested interest in Suwayda due to the close ties between Druze communities on both sides of the border. Israeli officials have previously stated they would not permit violence against Syrian Druze, considering their safety a "red line." The spiritual leader of Syrian Druze, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, recently emphasized his community's connection to Israel, calling Druze "partners" of the Jewish state, further highlighting Suwayda's strategic importance for Israeli security.
Cohen warns that if independent Druze forces are defeated, Israel could face a significantly altered security landscape on its northeastern frontier, potentially leading to a security vacuum or the presence of radical Islamist groups. He advocates for Israel to move beyond political support and provide practical aid, including food, fuel, weapons, and drones, to Suwayda. This proposal represents Cohen's personal view and not an official Israeli government or IDF stance.
