Syria Alleges Israeli Support for Druze Militias in Al-Suwayda

The Syrian government fears that Druze militias in the southern al-Suwayda province are preparing to attack its forces in the coming days, allegedly with Israeli backing. A senior Syrian official told The Jerusalem Post that Druze leaders in the province have declared their intention to retake villages currently held by government forces. The official claimed Israel is encouraging this move, citing increased Israeli reconnaissance flights over the region and a reported landing of an Israeli helicopter that delivered weapons and ammunition. Syria's Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shibani, previously accused Israel of providing financial and military aid to armed militias in al-Suwayda and encouraging attacks against Syrian security forces. These Syrian allegations have not been independently corroborated, and Israel has not commented.

The alleged preparations for an attack come after over a year of de facto power-sharing in the predominantly Druze province. Local Druze forces control large parts of al-Suwayda, while government forces hold positions on the outskirts. Following clashes in July 2025, armed factions united under the "National Guard," identified with spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri. Social media posts from al-Hajri's supporters have indicated a planned National Guard offensive on government-held villages. Al-Jazeera also reported increased activity of Israeli helicopters and drones over the nearby Daraa province and al-Suwayda. However, the National Guard leadership has not officially confirmed any attack plans.

The current tensions are a continuation of conflicts that began in July 2025 between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes, escalating to involve the Syrian army. Although Syrian regime forces initially took control of al-Suwayda, they withdrew following Israeli airstrikes and U.S.-mediated ceasefire. A UN commission of inquiry reported in March that at least 1,707 people were killed in the July 2025 fighting, mostly Druze civilians, along with Bedouin civilians and Syrian government personnel. The commission also found that all major parties committed serious violations, potentially amounting to war crimes.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a's government has struggled to regain full control of the province. The governor of al-Suwayda, Mustafa al-Bakour, called for dialogue with local leadership, warning against external interference. Conversely, Sheikh al-Hajri, who opposes al-Shar'a's rule, supports expanded Druze autonomy and opposes the return of security control to Damascus. U.S. Envoy to Syria Tom Barrett has urged the reintegration of al-Suwayda into Syria while guaranteeing Druze rights, criticizing armed groups.

These developments occur amid a stalemate in U.S.-mediated security talks between Israel and Syria. Israel seeks security guarantees, while Syria demands Israeli troop withdrawal from areas occupied after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The last known meeting between representatives was in August, involving Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Foreign Minister al-Shibani. Talks are not expected to resume before Israel's Knesset elections on October 27.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated he warned al-Shar'a that Israel would escalate its attacks in Syria if the killing of Druze civilians did not cease, claiming the killings stopped after their conversation. A source close to the Syrian regime suggested this disclosure was intended to weaken al-Shar'a's rule, allowing Israel greater influence. Currently, there is no independent confirmation of a planned Druze offensive, and it remains unclear if the reported preparations signal an imminent attack or are intended to pressure Damascus in negotiations.