Syria prepares for a potential military conflict with Israel following an explosion in Damascus
In the heart of the Middle East, a distinctive ethnoreligious group known as the Druze find themselves entangled in the ongoing conflict in Syria. With origins dating back to the 11th century, the Druze are an offshoot of Ismaʿīlī Shiʿism, a closed faith with secretive doctrines that has kept them a mystery to many.
The Druze community, numbering around half a million, primarily resides in the south of Syria, with significant populations in Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Golan Heights. In Syria, they are concentrated in the southwest, particularly in Sweida and Quneitra, bordering Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan.
Recent clashes between Islamist-led government forces, regime loyalists, and Druze militias have intensified in southern Syria, sparking violence and endangering civilians. This escalation has led to a dramatic response from Israeli Druze, with hundreds reportedly breaching the border fence into Syria to assist their brethren.
Israel, citing the protection of the Druze, has responded with military strikes against Syrian government forces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have emphasised their "deep alliance" with the Druze community and are actively working to bring Druze relatives in Syria safely back to Israel.
The Druze in Israel are well integrated, with many serving in the IDF and security services, accounting for around 20% of prison guards and about 6.5% of police officers. This loyalty to the state is evident, with many Druze seeing themselves as loyal citizens of Israel.
The complex relationship between the Druze, Israel, and Syria has been further strained in recent months. Syria's President has stated that Syria is not afraid to face a war with Israel, while Tel Aviv claims to be protecting the Druze, an Arab minority with ties to Israel. The Druze are considered by locals as a minority that openly challenges local power, influencing the regional dynamics significantly.
The ongoing conflict in Syria and Israel's military intervention have raised concerns about the risk of further escalation in the Middle East. The United Nations has already condemned Israel's actions and called on the government to stop attacks on civilian populations.
This intricate relationship highlights the Druze's unique position as a religious and ethnic minority navigating complex regional dynamics between Israel and Syria, especially amid ongoing conflicts. The future for the Druze remains uncertain, as they continue to face challenges and strive for peace in the midst of conflict.
The Druze's unique position as an ethnic minority, predominantly residing in the Middle East, has been highlighted in the current Syria conflict, with their clashes with government forces and Islamic militias causing regional dynamics to shift significantly. This complex situation has attracted International attention, with the United Nations condemning Israel's military intervention and calling for the protection of civilian populations. Meanwhile, the Druze's loyalty to Israel, evident in their service in the IDF and security services, poses further complications in the Druze's struggle for peace amid war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news.
