Israel Supports Syrian Druze with Humanitarian Aid and Security Assurances

Israel has recently delivered around 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to Syrian Druze communities, in a move reflecting the country’s strong alliance with this minority group. The packages, which include essential food supplies such as salt, oil, flour, and rice, were transferred with the support of Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze in Israel. Most of the aid was sent to As-Suwayda, a region with a significant Druze population, while some packages were also delivered to Druze communities near the Israeli border.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed the importance of this gesture, stating, “We have a bold alliance with our Druze brothers. It is a privilege to help them.” He emphasized that assisting other minorities in the region is both necessary and the right course of action, especially given the political instability in Syria.

Israel's commitment to the Druze community extends beyond humanitarian aid. On March 1, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement emphasizing their dedication to protecting the Druze in Syria from any harm caused by the ongoing conflict. "We will not allow the terrorist regime of radical Islam in Syria to harm the Druze," said Netanyahu. The statement further confirmed that Israel would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Syrian Druze and prevent any threats from reaching them.

This support is not just political but also practical. Israel has announced that Syrian Druze and Circassians will be allowed to work on the Israeli side of the Golan Heights, providing economic relief to these communities.

Additionally, a group of about 100 senior Druze figures from Syria is expected to visit the Golan Heights this Friday, further signaling Israel's ongoing support for the minority group. During their visit, the leaders will meet with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif and other prominent Druze figures from Israel, and they will visit a significant Druze shrine.

In Israel, the Druze community holds a special place. Many Druze citizens serve in the Israeli military and police, with some reaching high-ranking positions. Their loyalty to Israel has been crucial, especially in the context of recent conflicts, including the Gaza war. The Druze's unique religious and cultural identity has also led to their distinct role in regional politics.

Israel’s actions come as it faces mounting challenges from the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israel has expressed deep concerns about the rise of radical Islamist groups in Syria and their potential threats to both Syrian minorities and Israel itself.

In response to these developments, the Israeli military has conducted multiple airstrikes in Syria. Just this week, the Israeli Air Force released footage of 22 fighter jets attacking various targets in southern Syria, including military sites and equipment formerly used by the Assad regime. These strikes were aimed at neutralizing threats to Israel’s security and eliminating potential risks posed by the presence of military equipment in Syria.