Israel Prepares to Defend Druze Village in Southern Syria Amid Unrest

Jaramana, a city on the outskirts of Damascus inhabited by both Christian Syrians and Druze, has witnessed increasing unrest between Syrian security forces and local Druze brigades. On Saturday, reports indicated that a member of Syria's security forces was killed during clashes between Syrian security forces and members of the local "Jaramana Shield" brigade, a Druze militia. These tensions have prompted Israel to step in, vowing to protect the Druze community in Syria.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared, "We will not allow the terrorist regime of radical Islam in Syria to harm the Druze. If the regime harms the Druze, it will be harmed by us. We are committed to our Druze brothers in Israel to do everything to prevent harm to their Druze brothers in Syria, and we will take all necessary steps to maintain their security."

Israel's Position on Syrian Druze

The Israeli government has long maintained close ties with the Druze community in both Israel and Syria. The Druze population in southern Syria, particularly in areas like Jaramana, has historically been caught in the crossfire of the ongoing civil war. Israel's commitment to protecting the Druze reflects the deep connections between Israel's Druze community and their Syrian counterparts.

While the IDF is preparing for potential military action, it is unclear whether the situation will escalate further or if Israeli forces will only intervene if there is a direct threat to Israeli security.

However, in addition to its military preparations, Israel has reportedly extended economic offers to the Druze population of southern Syria. Local sources in the al-Quneitra province, located near the Golan Heights, have claimed that the IDF has made offers for employment opportunities in Israel. This includes the possibility for residents of the region to work in Israel during the day and return to their homes in Syria at night, a practice that has been used for Palestinians in Israel in the past.

These offers are seen as part of Israel's efforts to gain influence in southern Syria and strengthen ties with the Druze community. However, some critics have accused Israel of "tempting" the Druze population in Syria, using economic incentives to sway their allegiance and increase Israel's influence in the region.

In related news, Israel is actively lobbying the United States to ensure Syria remains weak and decentralized, even suggesting that Russia should retain its military bases in the country as part of efforts to counter Turkey’s increasing influence. According to sources familiar with the matter, Israel’s campaign reflects its growing concern over the new Islamist rulers in Syria, who have the backing of Turkey. Israeli officials are worried that these developments may lead to a direct threat to Israel’s security.

Israel has been vocal in expressing its unease about Syria's Islamist leadership, which ousted Bashar al-Assad. The new government, which is backed by Turkey, has been trying to stabilize the country while seeking the removal of harsh U.S. sanctions. Israel has raised concerns that Turkey’s support of the new leadership could turn Syria into a base for groups like Hamas, further destabilizing the region.

During meetings with U.S. officials in Washington and Israel, Israeli officials emphasized their fear that Syria’s new leadership, influenced by Turkey, might pose a long-term threat to Israel’s borders. Israel has expressed a desire to prevent the establishment of a Syrian regime that could harbor groups hostile to Israel.

Israel’s lobbying efforts come at a time of significant geopolitical change. Israel is attempting to influence U.S. policy on Syria by suggesting that Russia should maintain control over its military bases in Syria, particularly the naval base in Tartus and the air base in Latakia. Israeli officials believe that this could act as a counterbalance to Turkey’s increasing influence in the region.

While some U.S. officials expressed surprise at Israel's position, suggesting that Turkey—a NATO member—would be a better guarantor of regional security, Israel’s officials were steadfast in their preference for Russia's continued presence in Syria. Israel’s stance is rooted in its concerns over Turkey's support for Islamist groups in Syria, which Israel views as a threat to its security.

Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has long been critical of Israel’s actions, including its policies in southern Syria. Turkey has argued that Israel’s interventions reflect an expansionist policy, fueling tensions between the two nations.

In the U.S., the situation in Syria remains uncertain, with the Trump administration providing little guidance on the future of sanctions and the U.S. military presence in the northeast of the country.