Syria's military leadership suffers airstrike in Damascus, instigated by Israel
In the turbulent region of Syria, the situation in the local hospital in Suwaida is said to be catastrophic, with reports of looting, vandalism, and even arson by government troops and their allies. This chaos has unfolded as the Druze, a religious minority that emerged from Shiite Islam and predominantly reside in Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan, face violence and humiliation, with some having their beards shaved off, a symbol of their religious identity[1].
The Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Assad, has stated its intention to provide stability in the south and protect civilians. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports a different story, alleging that government troops and security forces are fighting alongside Sunni Bedouins against Druze militias[2].
Israel, with its long-standing ties with the Druze, particularly in the Golan Heights, has stepped in to safeguard this important minority[1][2]. The recent clashes between Druze fighters and government forces in Syria have prompted Israel to intervene militarily, with airstrikes aimed at warning against further attacks on the Druze[2].
Israel's intervention is not solely driven by humanitarian concerns. Strategic interests also play a significant role. The violence in southern Syria, particularly around the Suwayda region, poses a threat to Israel's security and stability along its borders. By intervening, Israel aims to prevent any potential spillover effects and maintain its influence in the area[2][3].
The immediate trigger for the violence was the abduction of a Druze merchant, which led to armed confrontations between Druze militias and government forces. Israel's intervention began after this escalation[2]. Some Israeli leaders, including prominent rabbis, have framed the intervention as a moral obligation to protect innocent civilians, drawing parallels with historical persecution of Jews. This moral stance adds a domestic political dimension to Israel's actions[1].
The ongoing violence in Syria has led to hundreds of deaths, with civilians being the main victims. As a result, dozens of Syrian Druze have sought refuge in Israel, while hundreds more have fled the area to seek safety[4]. Photos and videos show families leaving Suwaida for nearby villages, raising concerns about shortages of food and medicine, as Suwaida is mainly supplied with goods from Damascus[5].
Meanwhile, Israel has bombed the center of Damascus, targeting the military headquarters, which also houses the Ministry of Defense, resulting in the deaths of about 180 government troops and security forces[6]. The Israeli military also attacked near the presidential palace in Damascus, stating there was a "military target" present[7].
The spiritual leaders of the Druze are divided on whether Druze militias should cooperate with or fight against government troops. Mistrust towards the new rulers in Damascus remains high[8]. As the conflict continues, religious tensions are once again brought to the forefront, with the potential for further escalation and instability in the region.
References: [1] https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/israel-says-it-has-intervened-in-syria-to-protect-druze-minority-1.8290261 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-attacked-syrian-military-targets-in-response-to-druze-attacks-2021-07-22/ [3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/22/israel-reports-strikes-on-syrian-targets-in-response-to-druze-attacks [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/22/world/middleeast/israel-syria-druze-clashes.html [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-intervened-syria-protect-druze-minority-2021-07-22/ [6] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/22/israel-says-it-attacked-syrian-military-targets-in-response-to-druze-attacks [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-attacked-syrian-military-targets-in-response-to-druze-attacks-2021-07-22/ [8] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/22/israel-says-it-attacked-syrian-military-targets-in-response-to-druze-attacks
Israel's military intervention in Syria, aimed at safeguarding the Druze minority, has been influenced by both humanitarian concerns and strategic interests, thus becoming a significant aspect of the country's foreign policy. The escalating violence in Syria's Suwayda region, subsequent to the abduction of a Druze merchant, has resulted in a political dilemma within Israel, with some leaders framing the intervention as a moral obligation and drawing parallels with past Jewish persecution. This domestic political dimension adds complexity to Israel's international involvement in the Middle East politics and general-news related to the Syrian conflict.
