Israel launched airstrikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida province on Tuesday as Jerusalem claimed the strikes protect the local Druze minority after Damascus had deployed troops there after clashes killed over 100 people.
Israeli forces struck shortly after Syria’s defence minister declared a ceasefire in Sweida city, following the Government forces’ entry to the city earlier that morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the immediate strikes.
A joint Israeli statement explained, “We are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them [Druze]. Israel will ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border.” The Israeli military confirmed hitting military vehicles.
Druze Reactions and Fragile Truce
Most Druze leaders supported the Syrian troop deployment, with influential Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri calling for armed resistance. Druze representatives gathered at Sheikh Youssef Jarbouh’s residence to discuss the ceasefire.
Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced the truce on X, stating, “We declare a complete ceasefire after agreement with city notables,” adding forces would only respond to fire from outlaw groups.
An AFP correspondent reported gunfire subsiding after the announcement with Government troops waving the Syrian flag atop a city roundabout. A curfew was planned for Sweida city to halt violence spreading across the governorate.
Escalating Violence and Deep Divisions
Syrian forces intervened after deadly clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes erupted Sunday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 116 deaths: 64 Druze (including 4 civilians) and 52 from government forces/tribes, though the defence ministry acknowledged 18 military deaths.
Government forces said they aimed to separate warring sides. However, they took control of several Druze areas around Sweida. Tensions between Druze and Bedouin groups in Sweida are longstanding.
Israel possesses its own Druze population, portraying itself as the minority’s defender since Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow. Jerusalem also refuses any Syrian military presence south of Damascus as analysts suggest Israel uses Druze protection as an intervention pretext.
Damascus, recently engaged in talks with Israel, did not immediately comment on the strikes. The fighting underscores challenges facing interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa.
