Who are druze? Presence of Druze in different countries
Israel vs Druze relationship in suwayda city of syria.
By Real contentPublished 6 months ago • 5 min read
- Who are the Druze, and why is Israel attacking Syria under the pretext of 'protecting' this religious minority?
On July 16, Israel carried out strikes near the Presidential Palace in Damascus, the Syrian Ministry of Defense, and the Syrian Army Headquarters.
A recent deadly wave of sectarian violence in Syria has shaken the country once again, further complicating the Syrian government's attempts to assert control across its territory.
The recent clashes began on July 13, following the reported abduction of a Druze merchant, which immediately escalated tensions between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters in southern Syria.
Two days later, on July 15, Israel intervened militarily, claiming that its forces were acting to protect the Druze population and to eliminate Syrian government-affiliated forces allegedly targeting them.
It is worth noting that the Druze-majority province of Suwayda witnessed deadly clashes between Druze fighters and Syria’s new security forces in April and May 2025, leaving dozens dead. Earlier in March, similar violent incidents in Syria’s coastal provinces reportedly killed hundreds of pro-Assad Alawite militia members.
This renewed unrest and subsequent Israeli airstrikes have reignited fears of deteriorating security in a country already ravaged by more than a decade of civil war. Meanwhile, Syria’s current leader and former jihadist Mohammad al-Julani has vowed to defend the country’s minorities.
are the Druze?
Historically, the Druze have faced a precarious position within the Syrian political system.
The Druze are an Arabic-speaking religious minority residing in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Their faith is considered a branch of Shia Islam, although it features unique beliefs and an independent identity.
The Druze refer to themselves as "Muwahhidun" those who believe in the unity of God. However, due to their distinct beliefs, they are often viewed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims as non-Muslim. They are also known as "Banu Ma'aruf." The term "Druze" is thought to originate from Nashtakin al-Darazi (Mohammad ibn Ismail al-Darazi), who promoted this doctrine in Lebanon and Syria.
The majority of the Druze population is concentrated in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, though small communities exist elsewhere. Of the estimated 1 million global Druze, about half live in Syria, making up approximately 3% of its population.
In Israel, the Druze are often considered loyal to the state, with many serving in the Israeli military. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, about 152,000 Druze live in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.
The Druze have been present in Syria for centuries and have played significant roles in regional politics and conflicts. However, they have historically remained vulnerable in the country’s political structure. During the 14-year-long civil war, Druze fighters were actively engaged, especially in southern Syria.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, the Druze community has resisted government efforts to reassert control over southern Syria. While Druze factions are divided in their views on the new Syrian government, many have opposed the presence of Syrian military forces in Suwayda, while some factions have remained neutral or silent.
Syrian forces have succeeded in expelling illegal militias from Suwayda despite Israeli intervention
Following Assad's sudden ouster, Israel has sought to build alliances with Syrian minorities, particularly the Druze living near its northern border. By attacking Syrian military and government targets, Israel has positioned itself as a regional protector of minorities, including the Kurds, Druze, and Alawites in Syria — while turning a blind eye to alleged genocide in Gaza.
In May 2025, during earlier sectarian clashes, Israel also bombed areas near the Damascus Presidential Palace, calling it a warning against attacks on Druze populations. However, some Druze leaders in Syria and Lebanon have accused Israel of exploiting sectarian tensions to advance its expansionist ambitions.
Why is Israel attacking Syria now?
Israel began airstrikes on Syrian targets on July 15. Initial strikes focused on security forces and vehicles in Suwayda, but by July 16, the campaign had escalated dramatically — with Israeli jets targeting areas near the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Defense, and the Syrian Army Headquarters in Damascus.
The strike on the military headquarters was broadcast live on Syrian TV.
Syria condemned the Israeli attacks, calling them a violation of its sovereignty. Israel, on the other hand, insisted its actions were meant to protect the minority Druze community.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted on social media shortly after the strikes began:
“The warning phase in Damascus is over. Now the painful blows will begin.”
These are Israel’s most extensive attacks in Syria since December 2024, when hundreds of military and civilian targets were destroyed, resulting in mass civilian casualties and the seizure of UN buffer zones in the Golan Heights. Israel claims its repeated strikes are aimed at preventing Syria’s new government from enhancing its military capabilities, which it views as a potential threat to Israeli security.
The latest strikes serve as both a warning and a deterrent against the Syrian army’s deployment in southern Syria. Israel appears to be attempting to create a demilitarized zone in the region.
What does the Syrian government say?
Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that open war with Israel was a possible option, but mediation by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey prevented further escalation.
In a pre-recorded address aired Thursday morning, al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to divide the Syrian people and plunge the nation into endless chaos.
He said the Syrian people were not afraid of war and were presented with two options:
“Either we enter an open confrontation with Israel at the cost of the Druze minority’s security... or we allow Druze elders and leaders to act with wisdom and prioritize national interests over those who wish to discredit others.”
The Syrian president claimed that the state prioritized the interests of the Syrian people.
Al-Sharaa further asserted that despite Israeli intervention, Syrian forces had restored stability and successfully expelled illegal militias from Suwayda.
How has the world reacted?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is deeply concerned about recent developments in Syria. Following the Israeli strikes on July 16, he noted:
“We have agreed on specific measures that will end this troubling and horrific situation.”
Several Arab countries including Lebanon, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Kuwait condemned the Israeli strikes targeting the Syrian government and security forces.
Turkey, a major stakeholder in post-Assad Syria, labeled the strikes:
“An act of sabotage against Syria’s efforts for peace, stability, and security.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the escalating Israeli attacks in Suwayda and Damascus.
What lies ahead?
This latest episode of violence has underscored the fragility of Syria’s security and political landscape, raising fears of new sectarian attacks across the country.
As al-Sharaa attempts to unify Syria and reassert control, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve.
However, the ongoing sectarian clashes and resulting Israeli military actions threaten to derail efforts at state-building and post-war recovery in Syria.
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