Bedouin families in the occupied West Bank are dismantling their homes and fleeing their villages after what they describe as relentless harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers. In Ras Ein al-Auja, near Jericho, residents say pressure escalated sharply after settlers established an outpost just meters from their homes. The United Nations reports thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by settler violence and movement restrictions since October 2023, raising concerns that expanding settlements are entrenching Israeli control over large parts of the West Bank.


West Bank Violence: Families Flee as Violence Mounts Near Ramallah; UN Reports Sharp Rise

Bedouin families in the occupied West Bank are dismantling their homes and fleeing their villages after what they describe as relentless harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers. In Ras Ein al-Auja, near Jericho, residents say pressure escalated sharply after settlers established an outpost just meters from their homes. The United Nations reports thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by settler violence and movement restrictions since October 2023, raising concerns that expanding settlements are entrenching Israeli control over large parts of the West Bank.

Israeli Settler Violence Forces Bedouins in West Bank to Leave

Dozens of Palestinian Bedouin and herding families have fled their homes across the West Bank, reporting months of harassment, night raids and settler attacks.
According to the United Nations, more than 3,200 Palestinians have been displaced in recent months, marking one of the worst periods of settler violence since records began.
Illegal outposts have expanded rapidly, many later legalized by authorities, tightening control over land that was once occupied by Palestinian communities.

West Bank Exodus: Palestinian Bedouin Families Forced to Flee Amid Settler Violence |

<p>A fresh conflict has captured the already war-torn Syria after a Druze merchant was abducted on July 13. The war conflict between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters in southern Syria’s Suwayda province has escalated into a war now. And amid this, Israel has decided to intervene and support a specific side, the Druze. By July 15, Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Syria, claiming to protect the Druze and eliminate pro-government forces accused of attacking them. So far, at least 350 people have died, as per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The Druze community was long known for its resilience in Syria’s post-war turmoil. But what has grabbed attention is Israel's sudden intervention in the conflict. Netanyahu's army has struck the Syrian military targets in Suwayda and even Damascus. Prime Minister Netanyahu said the attacks were meant to protect the Druze. This raises speculations about Israel's motive behind the intervention.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Who Are the Druze?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Druze is a small but tightly-knit ethno-religious community that originated in Egypt. The religion followed by them was initially Ismaili Islam, but it later evolved into a distinct religion that blends elements of monotheism, mysticism, and philosophy. The faith does not allow conversions either from or to the religion. Intermarriage is also prohibited in the religion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Globally, around 1.5 million Druze are there. They are significantly present in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. There are 700,000 Druze only in Syria - which is around 3-4 per cent of the total population.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why the protest?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It all started in August 2023. The Druze communities began protesting economic hardship and political repression in Syria. When Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024, things even got worse for this community. The new round of this conflict started on July 13 after a Druze merchant was kidnapped by local Bedouin tribes. &nbsp;</p><p><br><strong>Why is Israel interested?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Israel has around 150,000 people of the Druze population. Most of them live in the Golan Heights and northern Israel, and they serve in the Israeli military. Hence, their voices are difficult to ignore for Netanyahu. Since Assad’s fall in late 2024, Israel has ramped up airstrikes on Syrian military positions, particularly those close to the Golan Heights. The Israeli PM has defended these strikes as efforts to protect the Druze. But there is more to know. Netanyahu is reportedly considering the creation of a “buffer zone" in southern Syria - which is a Deruze-controlled area, and keep Syrian troops and Islamist forces away from the border. Reportedly, Israel aims to prevent the rise of any strong, Islamist-aligned regime near its territory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“As far as the Netanyahu government sees it, a divided, weak and failed state of Syria is a better option (for Israel) than a united Syria," Alon Pinkas, former Israeli diplomat, told the news agency Al Jazeera.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Israel has around 150,000 people of the Druze population. Most of them live in the Golan Heights and northern Israel, and they serve in the Israeli military. Hence, their voices are difficult to ignore for Netanyahu. 

A fresh conflict has captured the already war-torn Syria after a Druze merchant was abducted on July 13. The war conflict between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters in southern Syria’s Suwayda province has escalated into a war now. And amid this, Israel has decided to intervene and support a specific side, the Druze. By July 15, Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Syria, claiming to protect the Druze and eliminate pro-government forces accused of attacking them. So far, at least 350 people have died, as per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The Druze community was long known for its resilience in Syria’s post-war turmoil. But what has grabbed attention is Israel's sudden intervention in the conflict. Netanyahu's army has struck the Syrian military targets in Suwayda and even Damascus. Prime Minister Netanyahu said the attacks were meant to protect the Druze. This raises speculations about Israel's motive behind the intervention. Who Are the Druze? The Druze is a small but tightly-knit ethno-religious community that originated in Egypt. The religion followed by them was initially Ismaili Islam, but it later evolved into a distinct religion that blends elements of monotheism, mysticism, and philosophy. The faith does not allow conversions either from or to the religion. Intermarriage is also prohibited in the religion. Globally, around 1.5 million Druze are there. They are significantly present in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. There are 700,000 Druze only in Syria - which is around 3-4 per cent of the total population. Why the protest? It all started in August 2023. The Druze communities began protesting economic hardship and political repression in Syria. When Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024, things even got worse for this community. The new round of this conflict started on July 13 after a Druze merchant was kidnapped by local Bedouin tribes. Why is Israel interested? Israel has around 150,000 people of the Druze population. Most of them live in the Golan Heights and northern Israel, and they serve in the Israeli military. Hence, their voices are difficult to ignore for Netanyahu. Since Assad’s fall in late 2024, Israel has ramped up airstrikes on Syrian military positions, particularly those close to the Golan Heights. The Israeli PM has defended these strikes as efforts to protect the Druze. But there is more to know. Netanyahu is reportedly considering the creation of a “buffer zone" in southern Syria - which is a Deruze-controlled area, and keep Syrian troops and Islamist forces away from the border. Reportedly, Israel aims to prevent the rise of any strong, Islamist-aligned regime near its territory. “As far as the Netanyahu government sees it, a divided, weak and failed state of Syria is a better option (for Israel) than a united Syria," Alon Pinkas, former Israeli diplomat, told the news agency Al Jazeera.

<p>Israel has around 150,000 people of the Druze population. Most of them live in the Golan Heights and northern Israel, and they serve in the Israeli military. Hence, their voices are difficult to ignore for Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

Druze vs Bedouin: Why is Israel protecting Druze in Syria? Is it Netanyahu’s secret war? WION Explains

<p>The sectarian clashes this month in Syria's restive Suwayda region (also mentioned as Sweida) reopened festering rivalries that erupted in the power vacuum created by the end of Bashar al-Assad regime. The Druze, a unique community, are fighting the Bedouins, the nomadic and semi-nomadic Arab tribes who are mostly Sunni Muslims. To understand the clashes, it's important to learn about the Bedouins and their relations with the Druze. Here is what you should know.</p><h2>Who are the Bedouins fighting the Druze in Syria? Are they a single tribe?</h2><p>Bedouins fighting in Syria are not a singular entity, but multiple Arab tribes from the war-torn country's desert regions, particularly the Badiya. Prominent among these Bedouin tribes are Baggara, al-Anezi, al-Mahamids, al-Qateifan, al-Saud, and al-Wahban. Once nomadic pastoralists, they are now living mostly semi-sedentary lives, but operate under kin-based tribal systems led by a ‘Shaykh.’</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-druze-fighter-among-several-killed-in-fresh-sectarian-clashes-near-damascus-9019561/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-druze-fighter-among-several-killed-in-fresh-sectarian-clashes-near-damascus-9019561/embed</a></p><h2>How many Bedouins were fighting in Suwayda?</h2><p>Bedouins fighting in Suwayda are estimated to be around 10,000, with more fighters having joined from other areas like Deir Ezzour, Homs, Aleppo, and Raqqa. Overall, some 50,000 Bedouin fighters have been mobilised.&nbsp;<br>Their engagement in the conflict is driven by sectarian tensions, tribal loyalty, and retaliation for perceived provocations, especially following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.</p><h2>Tribal and religious identity of Bedouins</h2><p>Though belonging to different tribes, the Bedouins have shared Interests. They unite during conflict under shared cultural and religious identities, with their coordination in full display to support Suwayda-based tribes this month.</p><p>Sunni Islam is a common denominator for the Bedouins, aligning with Syria’s majority sect. The Druze, on the other hand, follow a secretive offshoot of Ismaili Shia Islam and do not identify as Muslim. These religious differences amplify sectarian mistrust.</p><h2>Historical Bedouin–Druze relations: From co-existence to rivalry</h2><p>The Bedouins are thought to have existed long before the Druze in southern Syria. Both communities coexisted through trade and shared livestock partnerships over the years, and even have some common musical and dance traditions.</p><h2>Druze- Bedouin clashes before 2025</h2><p>Tensions arose in the 19th century, when rulers of the Egyptian and Ottoman empires exploited the divisions. Bedouins were sometimes encouraged to plunder Druze communities, while the Druze resisted conscription and persecution, deepening mutual distrust, according to historians.</p><p>The rivalries escalated in the mid-20th century when, under Adib Shishakli (1949–1954), the Druze faced repression and military attacks, with Bedouins plundering Druze villages. The two sects engaged in sporadic clashes over the years, including a Druze farmer’s killing in 2000 that resulted in violence.</p><p>During the Syrian civil war of 2011–2024, some Bedouin tribes supported Assad, while the Druze maintained local militias for self-defence.</p><h2>Why did the Druze and Bedouins clash in 2025 in Suwayda?</h2><p>The trigger was the attack of a Druze vendor by Dedouin tribesmen on July 13. Abductions and reprisals followed, with both sides accusing each other of violence.</p><p>Druze militias captured Bedouins, who answered a call for reinforcements with thousands moving towards Suwayda.&nbsp;</p><p>The two sides fought pitched gun battles, exchanged mortar fire, and kidnapped community members.</p><h2>Syria and Israel enter Druze-Bedouin clashes</h2><p>What was essentially a sectarian clash assumed an international dimension with the Syrian and Israeli governments' interventions. Forces of Syria's new president Ahmed al-Sharaa were accused of siding with Bedouins and committing extrajudicial killings.</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered airstrikes in order to protect Druze communities.</p><h2>The human cost of Bedouin-Druze clashes: Executions, displacement</h2><p>Both sides have been accused of atrocities, including the execution of civilians and the desecration of religious symbols.</p><p>More than 1,000 deaths were reported, including 427 Druze fighters, 298 Druze civilians, out of which 194 were allegedly executed by Syrian government forces.</p><p>According to reports, many of which are unconfirmed, 354 government personnel and&nbsp;</p><p>21 Bedouins were killed, while at least 128,000 people were displaced from the Suwayda area.</p><h2>Uneasy calm after Bedouin-Druze clashes</h2><p>Two ceasefire attempts were made on July 16 and 19. Though the truce is in place and Bedouin forces withdrew from Suwayda city under military pressure, tensions remained high.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Bedouin - Druze conflict is a result of the reignited sectarian divide</h2><p>Religious differences between Bedouins, who are Sunni Muslims, &nbsp;and the Druze who consider themselves non-Muslims, have been at the core of their mistrust, along with a history of animosity.</p><p>Bedouins are decentralised and follow a tribal leadership, while the Druze have unified leadership, particularly under Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri.</p><p>Various state governments historically used one group against the other. &nbsp;And the post-Assad regime's perceived favouritism toward Bedouins escalated tensions.</p><p>Israel's support for Druze communities, which is a minority group in the Jewish nation, inflamed perceptions of betrayal and foreign collusion.</p>

To understand the clashes, it is important to learn about the Bedouins and their relations with the Druze. Here is what you should know.

The sectarian clashes this month in Syria's restive Suwayda region (also mentioned as Sweida) reopened festering rivalries that erupted in the power vacuum created by the end of Bashar al-Assad regime. The Druze, a unique community, are fighting the Bedouins, the nomadic and semi-nomadic Arab tribes who are mostly Sunni Muslims. To understand the clashes, it's important to learn about the Bedouins and their relations with the Druze. Here is what you should know. Who are the Bedouins fighting the Druze in Syria? Are they a single tribe? Bedouins fighting in Syria are not a singular entity, but multiple Arab tribes from the war-torn country's desert regions, particularly the Badiya. Prominent among these Bedouin tribes are Baggara, al-Anezi, al-Mahamids, al-Qateifan, al-Saud, and al-Wahban. Once nomadic pastoralists, they are now living mostly semi-sedentary lives, but operate under kin-based tribal systems led by a ‘Shaykh.’ https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-druze-fighter-among-several-killed-in-fresh-sectarian-clashes-near-damascus-9019561/embed How many Bedouins were fighting in Suwayda? Bedouins fighting in Suwayda are estimated to be around 10,000, with more fighters having joined from other areas like Deir Ezzour, Homs, Aleppo, and Raqqa. Overall, some 50,000 Bedouin fighters have been mobilised. Their engagement in the conflict is driven by sectarian tensions, tribal loyalty, and retaliation for perceived provocations, especially following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Tribal and religious identity of Bedouins Though belonging to different tribes, the Bedouins have shared Interests. They unite during conflict under shared cultural and religious identities, with their coordination in full display to support Suwayda-based tribes this month. Sunni Islam is a common denominator for the Bedouins, aligning with Syria’s majority sect. The Druze, on the other hand, follow a secretive offshoot of Ismaili Shia Islam and do not identify as Muslim. These religious differences amplify sectarian mistrust. Historical Bedouin–Druze relations: From co-existence to rivalry The Bedouins are thought to have existed long before the Druze in southern Syria. Both communities coexisted through trade and shared livestock partnerships over the years, and even have some common musical and dance traditions. Druze- Bedouin clashes before 2025 Tensions arose in the 19th century, when rulers of the Egyptian and Ottoman empires exploited the divisions. Bedouins were sometimes encouraged to plunder Druze communities, while the Druze resisted conscription and persecution, deepening mutual distrust, according to historians. The rivalries escalated in the mid-20th century when, under Adib Shishakli (1949–1954), the Druze faced repression and military attacks, with Bedouins plundering Druze villages. The two sects engaged in sporadic clashes over the years, including a Druze farmer’s killing in 2000 that resulted in violence. During the Syrian civil war of 2011–2024, some Bedouin tribes supported Assad, while the Druze maintained local militias for self-defence. Why did the Druze and Bedouins clash in 2025 in Suwayda? The trigger was the attack of a Druze vendor by Dedouin tribesmen on July 13. Abductions and reprisals followed, with both sides accusing each other of violence. Druze militias captured Bedouins, who answered a call for reinforcements with thousands moving towards Suwayda. The two sides fought pitched gun battles, exchanged mortar fire, and kidnapped community members. Syria and Israel enter Druze-Bedouin clashes What was essentially a sectarian clash assumed an international dimension with the Syrian and Israeli governments' interventions. Forces of Syria's new president Ahmed al-Sharaa were accused of siding with Bedouins and committing extrajudicial killings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered airstrikes in order to protect Druze communities. The human cost of Bedouin-Druze clashes: Executions, displacement Both sides have been accused of atrocities, including the execution of civilians and the desecration of religious symbols. More than 1,000 deaths were reported, including 427 Druze fighters, 298 Druze civilians, out of which 194 were allegedly executed by Syrian government forces. According to reports, many of which are unconfirmed, 354 government personnel and 21 Bedouins were killed, while at least 128,000 people were displaced from the Suwayda area. Uneasy calm after Bedouin-Druze clashes Two ceasefire attempts were made on July 16 and 19. Though the truce is in place and Bedouin forces withdrew from Suwayda city under military pressure, tensions remained high. Bedouin - Druze conflict is a result of the reignited sectarian divide Religious differences between Bedouins, who are Sunni Muslims, and the Druze who consider themselves non-Muslims, have been at the core of their mistrust, along with a history of animosity. Bedouins are decentralised and follow a tribal leadership, while the Druze have unified leadership, particularly under Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri. Various state governments historically used one group against the other. And the post-Assad regime's perceived favouritism toward Bedouins escalated tensions. Israel's support for Druze communities, which is a minority group in the Jewish nation, inflamed perceptions of betrayal and foreign collusion.

<p>To understand the clashes, it's important to learn about the Bedouins and their relations with the Druze. Here is what you should know.</p>

Who are the Bedouins fighting the Druze in Syria's Suwayda region? What you should know about the Arab nomadic tribes

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