Syrian Government’s Neglect of Minorities Enables Israeli Intervention

The Syrian government’s failure to protect the Druze minority amid rising sectarian violence has allowed Israel to present itself as a protector. Analysts warn that this exploitation could reshape Syria’s political landscape, as Israel seeks a weak central authority while pursuing its interests in the Golan Heights. The government’s inability to maintain security raises concerns over accountability and exacerbates the ongoing crisis.

The ongoing conflict in Syria highlights the failures of the Syrian government, particularly in protecting minority communities like the Druze. Analysts argue that this has created an opportunity for Israel to step in and present itself as a protector. After a recent surge in violence caused by sectarian tensions, over 100 individuals lost their lives in Druze-dominant regions. Joseph Daher, a Syrian academic, noted, “The government has not through statement or practice been trying to stop this kind of harassment or incitement or attacks.”

The violence was initially sparked by a voice recording that circulated online, allegedly showing a Druze cleric insulting Prophet Mohammed—a claim flatly rejected by both Druze religious leaders and Syrian authorities as fabricated. Despite these clarifications, tensions escalated, leading to Islamist militants, some tied to the Syrian government, attacking Druze-majority towns, prompting local defenders to mobilize.

In a significant military response, Israel launched air strikes, including near the Presidential Palace in Damascus, which marked a worrying escalation, according to analysts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that these strikes were intended to protect the Druze community and halt Syrian troop advancements near Damascus. Many experts highlight that Israel’s engagement is no coincidence; it sees a rare chance to manipulate Syria’s political landscape.

Riad Kahwaji, the head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis, asserted, “Israel wants to see a weak central government or a Syria fragmented along sectarian lines.” He elaborated that Israel’s interest lies in creating a Druze-controlled buffer zone to shield its borders against potential threats, particularly with fears surrounding a possible Turkish-backed Syrian government that could harbor anti-Israel sentiments.

Additionally, Israel aims to consolidate its hold over the Golan Heights, a region it unilaterally annexed decades ago. Despite objections from international bodies, Israel currently controls most of this territory. Kahwaji declared, “Israel will try to keep as much land as it has grabbed and will try to get concessions from the Syrians to accept Israeli sovereignty over the whole of Golan Heights.”

The Syrian government has condemned Israel’s actions as a “flagrant violation of international law” yet maintains that it does not seek further conflict with Israel. It accuses extremist groups of initiating sectarian violence, despite evidence to the contrary. Critics argue that the government has allowed these attacks to persist since the decaying authority following Bashar Al Assad’s ouster.

Accusations of the government’s inaction abound. Many describe its failure to quell the recent violence as a hotbed for escalating sectarian issues. Daher elaborated that the government’s methods seem to align with a broader tactic to regain control, saying, “It’s a strategy to retake or consolidate areas that are not in control of the government.”

In the past, similar tactics were utilized against the Alawite community, as pro-government forces conducted assaults under the pretext of suppressing insurgency. Even though the government has promised investigations into these violent incidents, previous accountability remains lacking. Daher remarked, “The government cannot say it’s trying to bring security when there has been no accountability from previous massacres. Israel has been able to exploit the situation exactly because the government has been pursuing – directly and indirectly – sectarian policies.”

Clearly, the situation remains delicate and troubling as minorities like the Druze face both governmental neglect and external exploitation, further complicating the already intricate dynamics within Syria’s ongoing upheaval.

The Syrian government’s inability to protect minority communities, particularly the Druze, has opened avenues for Israel, which seeks to cast itself as a defender. Tensions have escalated due to sectarian violence, prompting Israeli military action under the guise of protection. Analysts believe that Israel’s strategy aims to weaken the Syrian government and establish a Druze buffer zone, exploiting the instability. This cycle of violence and political manipulation is indicative of a larger, unresolved crisis in the region.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com