Middle East crisis: Who are Druze? Sect caught in crossfire as Syria-Israel tensions escalates
A new wave of deadly sectarian violence in southern Syria has drawn renewed attention to the Druze minority as well as escalating tensions between Syria and Israel.
This week, at least 30 people were killed and dozens injured during clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal fighters in Suwayda, a Druze-majority city near the Israeli border.
The Syrian military intervened to restore control, a move that triggered a forceful response from Israel, which launched airstrikes in the area citing a commitment to protect the Druze.
The involvement of Islamist militias aligned with the Syrian government further inflamed fears within the Druze community, prompting calls for international protection. In response, Israeli defense minister Israel Katz warned that attacks would intensify unless Syrian forces withdrew from Suwayda.
Later, Israeli warplanes struck targets in Damascus, including a defense ministry building and a site near the presidential palace.
Who are the Druze?
The Druze are an Arab sect numbering around one million globally. They primarily reside in Syria, Lebanon and Israel. The religion originated in Egypt in the 11th century as an offshoot of Islam, and its practices prohibit conversion to or from the faith and forbid intermarriage.
In Syria, the Druze community is largely concentrated in the southern Suwayda province, close to the Golan Heights.
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During Syria's 10 year civil war, they often found themselves caught between the Assad regime and extremist groups.
More than 20,000 Druze live in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, most of whom identify as Syrian. Many rejected Israeli citizenship after the region was annexed in 1981, although some now hold Israeli residency. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military confirmed that hundreds of Golan-based Druze crossed into Syria, reportedly to support their kin amid the ongoing violence.
Why are Syrian forces clashing with the Druze?
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new president Ahmed al-Sharaa promised inclusion and diversity. However, his government, backed by Sunni Islamist militias, has faced criticism for continued violence against religious minorities, including the Druze.
A key issue straining relations between Syria's new government and the Druze is disarmament of Druze militias and integration. Al-Sharaa wants to bring all armed groups under one military command, but the Druze have strongly refused, insisting on keeping their weapons and maintaining their own independent forces.
The Druze have also expressed frustration over minimal representation in the new government and the exclusion of key leaders from national reconciliation talks.
Only one Druze minister currently serves in al-Sharaa's cabinet.
A tentative ceasefire agreement was reportedly reached on Wednesday, involving a halt in military operations and the formation of a Druze-led local security committee.
Youssef Jarbou, a Druze spiritual leader from one of the factions in Suwayda, confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached. However, another prominent Druze leader, Hikmat Al Hijri, rejected the deal and urged his followers to continue fighting, according to CNN.
Why is Israel bombing Syria?
Israel has long described its relationship with the Druze as a "brotherly alliance,' citing strong social and military ties with the Druze citizens in northern Israel. Unlike other minority groups in Israel, Druze men are conscripted into the Israel Defence Forces and many serve in senior positions.
In recent days, Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu
's office reiterated Israel's commitment to protecting the Druze community in Syria. The Israeli government also announced the establishment of a unilateral demilitarized zone in southern Syria, prohibiting the deployment of forces and weapons in the area.
However, the Syrian government has rejected this declaration and has repeatedly urged Israel to stop military actions that infringe on Syria's sovereignty.
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