Hundreds of people demonstrated in the southern Syrian city of Sweida, pressing for the self-determination of the Druze people.

Protesters demanded full independence from Syria, dismissing ideas of federalism or autonomy as inadequate. Speakers at the protest argued that statehood would guarantee their security, citing recent episodes of violence as evidence that inter-ethnic coexistence under one state is no longer a viable solution.



Syria's Druze Protesters Demand Sweida Autonomy And Turn Toward Israel

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.&nbsp;Who Are the Druze?&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Why the protest?&nbsp;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; Why is Israel interested?&nbsp;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.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;

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.

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;

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

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.<h2>Who are the Bedouins fighting the Druze in Syria? Are they a single tribe?</h2>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.’&nbsp;<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><h2>How many Bedouins were fighting in Suwayda?</h2>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; 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.<h2>Tribal and religious identity of Bedouins</h2>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.<h2>Historical Bedouin–Druze relations: From co-existence to rivalry</h2>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.<h2>Druze- Bedouin clashes before 2025</h2>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.<h2>Why did the Druze and Bedouins clash in 2025 in Suwayda?</h2>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.&nbsp;The two sides fought pitched gun battles, exchanged mortar fire, and kidnapped community members.<h2>Syria and Israel enter Druze-Bedouin clashes</h2>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.<h2>The human cost of Bedouin-Druze clashes: Executions, displacement</h2>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&nbsp;21 Bedouins were killed, while at least 128,000 people were displaced from the Suwayda area.<h2>Uneasy calm after Bedouin-Druze clashes</h2>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.&nbsp;<h2>Bedouin - Druze conflict is a result of the reignited sectarian divide</h2>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.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. &nbsp;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.

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.

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's Suwayda region? What you should know about the Arab nomadic tribes

A video surfaced on social media platform X claims to show that hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze. However, the timing of the video cannot be verified independently by WION. Meanwhile, tribesmen backed by the Islamist-led government of Syria clashed with Druze warriors outside Sweida on Friday (July 18) a day after government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority city, the warring factions and a monitoring group said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Suweida, Syria is filled with thousands of fighters from Arab tribes who have mobilized against the Druze. <a href="https://t.co/Dq6R8Uetx9">pic.twitter.com/Dq6R8Uetx9</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/1946099804158787624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, “clashes west of Sweida pitting tribal fighters and Bedouin backed by the authorities against Druze fighters.” Fighting has been confirmed on both sides. Syrian regime forces retreated from Sweida province on Thursday (July 17) after heavy shelling by Israel. They withdrew from Syria's Druze heartland at the orders of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who said that mediation efforts by the United States and others had prevented a "large-scale escalation" with Israel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-war-in-west-asia-here-s-why-israel-is-bombing-syria-to-protect-druze-minorities-who-they-are-1752654725486">Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria in name of protecting this minority community?</a>&nbsp;Almost 600 people have been killed in Sweida province since Sunday, the Observatory said, as Druze militiamen battled against Sunni Bedouin tribes, who were eventually supported by government troops.A truce came into place on Thursday (July 17), but Sharaa's office blamed Druze forces for violating the agreement. Bedouin fighters converged on Sweida on Friday to support the Bedouin, taking positions in a number of villages outside the city.&nbsp;Occasional shooting and blasts were heard and smoke rising from the villages was also seen. Druze militiamen told news agency AFP that they were counter-attacking the sources of fire. Anas al-Enad, a tribal sheikh in the central city of Hama, said he and his men had traveled to the village of Walgha, northwest of Sweida, because "the Bedouin called for our help and we came to support them".

Video claims to show hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze

A video surfaced on social media platform X claims to show that hundreds of Arab tribal fighters moving towards Syria to fight Druze. However, the timing of the video cannot be verified independently by WION. Meanwhile, tribesmen backed by the Islamist-led government of Syria clashed with Druze warriors outside Sweida on Friday (July 18) a day after government forces pulled out of the Druze-majority city, the warring factions and a monitoring group said.

However, the timing of the video cannot be verified. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces withdrew from Sweida province on Thursday (July 17) after coming under heavy bombardment by Israel

A new clash is ongoing in Syria between the Syrian military and the Druze community. The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds, triggering fears of attack on minorities and prompting Israeli strikes. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect the country's diverse communities, has so far failed in preventing attacks on Alawites and Druze sect. In March, hundreds of people were killed during a crackdown on the Alawite sect, to which former dictator Bashar al-Assad belonged, in Latakia, and in April, clashes between pro-government armed forces and Druze militias left at least 100 people dead. Now, the clash between his forces and Druze militias has renewed primarily because of al-Sharaa's demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the transitional government in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of its forces from Sweida and for non-interference in Druze affairs, vowing escalation. Here's a look at who the Druze are, and why Israel is intervening in the matter<h2>Who are the Druze?</h2>The Druze are an Arab sect inhabiting Syria, Lebanon and Israel. This community originated in Egypt and follows an offshoot of Islam that does not allow conversion or interfaith marriages. It is called Ismailiyaah - a sect of Shia Islam - that began when during the reign of the sixth Fatimid caliph, al-Ḥakim bi-Amr Allah. Theologians began to organise a movement proclaiming al-Ḥakim a divine figure. This group went on to form what we call present-day Druze.&nbsp;More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, the plateau that Israel seized from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, before formally annexing it in 1981. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements. Most Druze identify themselves as Syrian and have Israeli residency cards, though they aren't considered Israelis. Within Syria, the community is a majority in Suwayda province in the southern part of the country.&nbsp;A Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat Al-Hijri, called for international protection from "all countries" to "confront the barbaric campaign” by government and allied forces "using all means possible. We are facing a complete war of extermination," Al-Hijri said in a video statement.<h2>Why did Israel intervene in the matter?</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.” The Israeli government had also unilaterally declared a demilitarisation zone in Syria that “prohibits the introduction of forces and weapons into southern Syria." The Syrian government has rejected Israel’s declaration of a demilitarised zone. Israel, wary of extremist groups along its borders, has adopted a confrontational stance toward al-Sharaa, despite efforts by the Trump administration to foster Syrian-Israeli reconciliation and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied more territories in Syria.&nbsp;Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel is also eyeing an expansion of the accords. “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalisation. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he said. However, Israel's action on Syria does not support their statement.&nbsp;

The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds and has launched an attack on Druze militias, triggering fears of an attack on minorities - even under the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - and prompting Israeli strikes. 

A new clash is ongoing in Syria between the Syrian military and the Druze community. The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds, triggering fears of attack on minorities and prompting Israeli strikes. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who pledged to protect the country's diverse communities, has so far failed in preventing attacks on Alawites and Druze sect. In March, hundreds of people were killed during a crackdown on the Alawite sect, to which former dictator Bashar al-Assad belonged, in Latakia, and in April, clashes between pro-government armed forces and Druze militias left at least 100 people dead. Now, the clash between his forces and Druze militias has renewed primarily because of al-Sharaa's demand for disarmament. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the transitional government in Syria, calling for the withdrawal of its forces from Sweida and for non-interference in Druze affairs, vowing escalation. Here's a look at who the Druze are, and why Israel is intervening in the matter Who are the Druze? The Druze are an Arab sect inhabiting Syria, Lebanon and Israel. This community originated in Egypt and follows an offshoot of Islam that does not allow conversion or interfaith marriages. It is called Ismailiyaah - a sect of Shia Islam - that began when during the reign of the sixth Fatimid caliph, al-Ḥakim bi-Amr Allah. Theologians began to organise a movement proclaiming al-Ḥakim a divine figure. This group went on to form what we call present-day Druze. More than 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights, the plateau that Israel seized from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, before formally annexing it in 1981. Druze share the territory with around 25,000 Jewish settlers, spread across more than 30 settlements. Most Druze identify themselves as Syrian and have Israeli residency cards, though they aren't considered Israelis. Within Syria, the community is a majority in Suwayda province in the southern part of the country. A Druze spiritual leader, Hikmat Al-Hijri, called for international protection from "all countries" to "confront the barbaric campaign” by government and allied forces "using all means possible. We are facing a complete war of extermination," Al-Hijri said in a video statement. Why did Israel intervene in the matter? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel, and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.” The Israeli government had also unilaterally declared a demilitarisation zone in Syria that “prohibits the introduction of forces and weapons into southern Syria." The Syrian government has rejected Israel’s declaration of a demilitarised zone. Israel, wary of extremist groups along its borders, has adopted a confrontational stance toward al-Sharaa, despite efforts by the Trump administration to foster Syrian-Israeli reconciliation and expansion of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has occupied more territories in Syria. Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel is also eyeing an expansion of the accords. “Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalisation. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,” he said. However, Israel's action on Syria does not support their statement.

The Syrian military entered the Druze strongholds and has launched an attack on Druze militias, triggering fears of an attack on minorities - even under the new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - and prompting Israeli strikes.&nbsp;

Who are the Druze and why is Israel bombing Syria in name of protecting this minority community?

The Israel Defence Forces on Wednesday (July 16) claimed that they had bombed the entrance gate of the Syrian army's headquarters in Damascus. The IDF announced this in a social media post, just after the sound of an explosion was heard in Syria's capital.The Israeli army further said that they are striking the area, and are also prepared for various scenarios."The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria," the IDF said in a post on X.The Israeli forces stressed that the IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime's actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria."In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," the post read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⭕️The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime&#39;s military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria. The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime&#39;s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. In accordance with directives from the political echelon,… <a href="https://t.co/WSyBFrCiog">pic.twitter.com/WSyBFrCiog</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1945421069487145072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier in the day, Israeli drones targeted Damascus, leading to the death of civilians, according to the Syrian news agency. This comes after the fighting in Suwayda between armed groups and government forces resumed today despite the two sides agreeing to a ceasefire on Tuesday.&nbsp;WATCH: Syrian forces accused of 'executions' in Druze area, war monitor: death toll rises to 203https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-forces-accused-of-executions-in-druze-area-war-monitor-death-toll-rises-to-203-1752658135932/embed<h2>Israeli army to reinforce border with Syria</h2>The Israeli army on Wednesday said that it will send reinforcements to the security fence on the border with Syria, as the IDF threatens to continue attacking Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Suwayda province in southern Syria.Earlier today, the fight escalated after the ceasefire, which was reached on Tuesday, was violated. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the army will continue to attack Syria unless government forces pull out of the Druze-majority city of Suwayda.The Israeli army “will continue to strike regime forces until they withdraw from the area, and will soon escalate its response against the regime if the message is not understood”, Katz said.&nbsp;

The Israeli forces launched strikes on Syrian Army headquarters in capital Damascus after the ceasefire was violated. The IDF in a post on X, stressed that they are striking the area, noting they are also prepared for "various scenarios".

The Israel Defence Forces on Wednesday (July 16) claimed that they had bombed the entrance gate of the Syrian army's headquarters in Damascus. The IDF announced this in a social media post, just after the sound of an explosion was heard in Syria's capital. The Israeli army further said that they are striking the area, and are also prepared for various scenarios. "The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria," the IDF said in a post on X. The Israeli forces stressed that the IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime's actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," the post read.

The Israeli forces launched strikes on Syrian Army headquarters in capital Damascus after the ceasefire was violated. The IDF in a post on X, stressed that they are striking the area, noting they are also prepared for "various scenarios".

Israel bombs Syrian Army headquarters in Damascus after ceasefire violation

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli shared posts on social media, calling to "eliminate" Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa without any delay. In posts on X shared in both Hebrew and English, the Israeli minister called the Syrian president a "terrorist" who should be killed.This comes after Israel announced earlier today to strike Syrian regime targets in response to reported attacks against the Druze population by Sharaa's forces."Anyone who thinks Ahmad Al Shara is a legitimate leader is gravely mistaken. This is a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated now," Chikli said.He further accused European leaders of failing to condemn the "horrific massacre" of Syrian Alawites during sectarian violence earlier this year. "We now see the acts of slaughter and humiliation against the Druze," he said.The Israeli diaspora affairs minister also shared footage of what appears like Syrian army forces taunting and assaulting members of the Druze community by forcibly shaving their facial hair."If it looks like Hamas, talks like Hamas, and acts like Hamas - It' Hamas!", he said as he compares the alleged Syrian troops to the Hamas terror group."We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda in a suit and tie," he said in a post on X. "We saw the horrific massacre of the Alawites, met with deafening silence from European leaders, and now we are witnessing the slaughter and humiliation of the Druze."He stressed to fight the terror regime in Syria.All this comes after dozens of people from Syria's Druze minority were reportedly killed in new clashes with pro-government forces in Sweida. According to Jordan sources, Israeli drones flew over Sweida.Israel accused the Syrian government for breaching demilitarisation arrangements in the south of the country. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to "immediately strike regime forces and weapons introduced into the Sweida area in the Druze Mountain in Syria for regime activity against the Druze”.&nbsp;

The Israeli minister vowed that they will not stand idly by in the face of the "Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda" in a suit and tie. After attacks on Druze, Israeli PM Netanyahu also ordered troops to immediately strike regime forces. 

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli shared posts on social media, calling to "eliminate" Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa without any delay. In posts on X shared in both Hebrew and English, the Israeli minister called the Syrian president a "terrorist" who should be killed. This comes after Israel announced earlier today to strike Syrian regime targets in response to reported attacks against the Druze population by Sharaa's forces. "Anyone who thinks Ahmad Al Shara is a legitimate leader is gravely mistaken. This is a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated now," Chikli said. He further accused European leaders of failing to condemn the "horrific massacre" of Syrian Alawites during sectarian violence earlier this year. "We now see the acts of slaughter and humiliation against the Druze," he said. The Israeli diaspora affairs minister also shared footage of what appears like Syrian army forces taunting and assaulting members of the Druze community by forcibly shaving their facial hair. "If it looks like Hamas, talks like Hamas, and acts like Hamas - It' Hamas!", he said as he compares the alleged Syrian troops to the Hamas terror group. "We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda in a suit and tie," he said in a post on X. "We saw the horrific massacre of the Alawites, met with deafening silence from European leaders, and now we are witnessing the slaughter and humiliation of the Druze." He stressed to fight the terror regime in Syria. All this comes after dozens of people from Syria's Druze minority were reportedly killed in new clashes with pro-government forces in Sweida. According to Jordan sources, Israeli drones flew over Sweida. Israel accused the Syrian government for breaching demilitarisation arrangements in the south of the country. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to "immediately strike regime forces and weapons introduced into the Sweida area in the Druze Mountain in Syria for regime activity against the Druze”.

The Israeli minister vowed that they will not stand idly by in the face of the "Islamist-Nazi terror regime of Al-Qaeda" in a suit and tie. After attacks on Druze, Israeli PM Netanyahu also ordered troops to immediately strike regime forces.&nbsp;

'Terrorist, a barbaric murderer': Israeli minister calls to kill Syrian president amid attacks on Druze

For the first time in decades, Syrian Druze clerics have crossed the armistice line into the Golan Heights for a historic pilgrimage. The rare visit was met with celebrations as local Druze gathered, waving flags and chanting in joy. This moment marks a significant cultural and religious milestone for the community.

Syrian Druze clerics make historic pilgrimage to Israel after decades

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Syrian Druze clerics make historic pilgrimage to Israel after decades