Israel Exploits Syrian Government’s Failure to Protect Minorities
Israel is using the Syrian government’s inability to secure minority rights to position itself as a protector of the Druze community amid rising sectarian violence. Analysts note that Israel’s recent military actions may reshape Syria’s political landscape while emphasizing a broader strategy of regional control.
In recent months, Israel has taken advantage of the Syrian government’s apparent inability to protect minority communities, particularly the Druze. After deadly sectarian violence claimed over 100 lives in Druze-majority regions, analysts suggest that Israel is positioning itself as a protector of the Druze. Joseph Daher, a Syrian academic, pointed out that the regime’s lack of action against harassment and incitement against the Druze is alarming. “We saw clear sectarian chants like ‘We’re going to genocide the Druze,’” he stated.
The violence reportedly escalated following a voice recording circulating on social media, allegedly featuring a Druze cleric insulting the Prophet Mohammed. This claim was dismissed as false by both Syrian authorities and Druze leaders. Druze representatives contended that such blasphemy is fundamentally against their beliefs. Nevertheless, this clarification has not quelled tensions, as Islamist militants, some even affiliated with the Syrian government, targeted Druze communities.
As the situation devolved, primarily in towns like Jaramana and Sahnaya, Israel launched a series of airstrikes, including near Syria’s Presidential Palace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed these strikes were necessary to safeguard the Druze population and check Syrian military movements south of Damascus. This marks a significant escalation in Israeli military activity in Syria and highlights Israel’s growing strategic interest.
Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, argues that the chaos within the Syrian government presents an opportunity for Israel. “Israel wants to see a weak central government or a Syria fragmented along sectarian lines,” he noted, which could serve its geopolitical interests. The notion of creating a buffer zone controlled by Druze, if realized, may redefine the political landscape in the region.
Moreover, Israel’s apprehensions extend beyond the current administration in Syria. Turkish support for Islamist groups raises significant concerns for Israeli security. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s backing of the Muslim Brotherhood adds complexity, fostering fears that a post-conflict Syria could potentially become an incubator for anti-Israel operations backed by Turkey.
Israel also appears to be aiming for full annexation of the Golan Heights. This region has strategic and symbolic importance, and Israel currently controls two-thirds of it, having annexed it in 1981—a move condemned internationally. Mr. Kahwaji emphasized that Israel is likely to seek concessions from Syria to legitimize its control over the entire Golan Heights.
In response to Israel’s military actions, Syrian authorities have condemned the strikes as a violation of international law. They argue that these attacks threaten regional stability; nevertheless, they have also pointed fingers at “outlaw groups” for instigating sectarian violence. However, under the rule of the current regime, sectarian safety has generally seemed elusive since the ousting of Bashar Al Assad late last year.
Many citizens and activists have criticized the government for its lack of intervention during recent outbreaks of violence. Daher claimed this behavior aligns with a strategy to regain control of disaffected regions. He stated, “The vast majority of Syrian Druze refuse Israeli instrumentalization of sectarian issues,” emphasizing that the government’s approach may inadvertently fuel pro-Israel sentiments among some.
This strategy is reminiscent of the Syrian government’s earlier actions in March, when pro-regime forces killed numerous civilians from the Alawite minority. Despite declarations to investigate these human rights violations, no real accountability has emerged. Daher underscored that when the government fails to address previous massacres, it hinders their credibility: “The government cannot say it’s trying to bring security when there has been no accountability from previous massacres.” This ongoing instability plays directly into the hands of Israel as it seeks to fortify its position in the region.
The escalating violence in Druze-majority areas of Syria coupled with the Syrian government’s failure to protect minorities has created an environment that Israel seeks to exploit. Through military action framed as protection for the Druze community, Israel appears to be carving out its own strategic interests in a weakened Syria. As sectarian conflicts grow, the implications for regional stability become increasingly dire, endangering both Druze and other communities caught in this turmoil.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
