Behind the quiet: Israel eyes Druze unrest, renews Syria deterrence
In a move that reinforces its presence in Syria, the Israeli army redeployed across various Syrian areas starting Sunday morning, while simultaneously continuing drills to prepare for a possible mass infiltration from the border area.
At the same time, a group of Israeli Druze who have served in the military and work in various security agencies released a statement announcing that 2,000 of them are ready to enter Syria to support the Druze community in Sweida. Despite the announced ceasefire, Israeli military reports claimed that tensions and clashes continue.
Israel's decision to allow Syrian regime forces into Sweida to ensure local security has sparked internal disagreement. Some military and security officials viewed it as a step backward in protecting the Druze, while others called for expanding the security buffer zone to better protect the border.
During a security meeting focused on developments along the Syrian front, Israel took several steps to reinforce its deterrence. It was revealed that behind-the-scenes talks are underway with Druze groups near the Syrian border—both at the operational level and among senior leadership—aimed at calming tensions.
However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of reviving talks between Syria and Israel, which were suspended in Azerbaijan following the outbreak of unrest in Sweida.
While the border and the ceasefire zone remain calm for now, the Israeli military announced that all Israeli Druze have been evacuated from Syria and that it is intensifying efforts to prevent cross-border infiltration.
Reinforced troops have been deployed to the area, along with newly erected barriers and concrete obstacles along the border fence as part of defensive preparations in case of a sudden escalation on either side.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
12 hours ago
- LBCI
Israel names UAE high-risk zone, keeps northern border on alert amid rising tensions
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Israel's National Security Council has placed the United Arab Emirates on its list of high-risk countries for Israeli citizens, citing increased threats of attacks. The council assigned the UAE a threat level three, prompting Israel's Foreign Ministry to order diplomats and their families stationed there to leave immediately. According to the council's report, the move is based on intelligence indicating that Iran and its proxies are planning operations targeting Israelis and Israeli-affiliated sites in response to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The warning also cited what it called global incitement against Israel and growing support for Palestinians around the world as contributing factors. In light of the report, Israeli officials urged citizens in Dubai and other locations abroad to exercise extreme caution during holidays and on Saturdays. Travelers were advised to avoid wearing clothing with Hebrew writing or symbols identifying them as Jewish or Israeli, stay away from Israeli and Jewish institutions, and steer clear of large public gatherings involving Israeli nationals. Domestically, Israel has kept its northern borders with Lebanon and Syria on high alert. Security along the Lebanese frontier remains particularly tense amid near-daily reports warning of potential attacks or kidnapping attempts by Hezbollah. A recent report by Israel's Channel 12 claimed the group is preparing for renewed hostilities, fueling public concern in northern Israeli communities and increasing pressure on the government to bolster civilian protection measures. These mounting concerns come as fighting in Gaza continues without a breakthrough on the proposed prisoner exchange deal. Despite U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's efforts to push forward a truce that could end the conflict, no progress has been reported. Meanwhile, U.S. CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla is visiting Israel for high-level meetings with Israeli security and defense officials to assess the broader regional situation. In a symbolic gesture before ending his tenure, Kurilla visited the Western Wall in the Al-Aqsa compound, where he offered a prayer for Israeli soldiers and hostages alongside a group of rabbis.
LBCI
12 hours ago
- LBCI
On the front line: Lebanese Army marks 80th anniversary
Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Through the ruins of the southern town of Kfarkela, now nearly leveled by Israeli strikes, signs of life are scarce. Amid the devastation, along the buffer zone, and just meters from Israeli military positions and the fortified border wall, the Lebanese Army maintains a steady presence. From a strategic hilltop position once held by Israeli forces and reclaimed by the Lebanese Army after the withdrawal, soldiers carry out their duties with full awareness of the risks. During the current war of support, 47 Lebanese soldiers have lost their lives, and many patrols and outposts have been targeted by Israeli fire, including the Aamriyeh outpost, where one soldier was killed and others wounded in a direct strike. Soldiers stationed there carry both physical and emotional scars. One soldier, who continues his mission with shrapnel lodged in his leg, says every step he takes is a reminder of the violence they have endured. Despite these hardships, the army's mission continues. The war has altered some of the army's roles under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Since the cessation of hostilities, the military, in coordination with UNIFIL, has conducted more than 5,364 missions to uphold the ceasefire. The Fifth Brigade, Fifth Intervention Regiment, and Seventh Brigade are deployed across western, central, and eastern sectors south of the Litani River. Following the recent escalation, the Second Intervention Regiment was also mobilized to reinforce the army's presence. Throughout all phases, military intelligence—which has lost personnel in the line of duty—has provided critical security support. The Lebanese Army's deployment has been essential in helping displaced residents return to their homes and lands, even in areas where destruction is severe. In Wazzani, deep near the occupied village of Ghajar, civilians remain without basic services. In Aita al-Shaab, the army supports farmers determined to cultivate their lands and protect their livelihoods. Despite limited resources, complex challenges, and a broad operational mandate that stretches across the nation, the Lebanese Army, now marking its 80th anniversary, continues to symbolize unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting the country and its people.
LBCI
12 hours ago
- LBCI
Israeli army publishes images of spokesman Avichay Adraee touring Druze village in Mount Hermon
The Israeli army released photos showing its spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, walking through one of the Druze villages located in the Mount Hermon area.
