Israel Dismisses Syrian Leader’s Pledge

Israel has strongly criticized a renewed commitment by Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to safeguard minority groups following violent sectarian clashes. The Israeli government labeled the situation as “very dangerous” for minorities in Syria, emphasizing the precarious conditions faced by groups such as Kurds, Druze, Alawites, and Christians. This statement comes in the wake of deadly confrontations in Syria’s Sweida province, which have resulted in over 700 fatalities since Sunday.

Sectarian Clashes in Sweida Province

The recent violence in Sweida has seen clashes between Druze and Sunni Bedouin communities, drawing in the Islamist-led Syrian government, Israel, and armed tribes from various regions. The unrest has underscored the fragile security situation in Syria, particularly for minority groups who have been caught in the crossfire of these sectarian tensions.

International Community’s Role

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on the international community to ensure the protection of minorities in Syria. He stressed that Syria’s reintegration into the global community should be contingent upon its commitment to safeguarding these vulnerable groups. Saar highlighted that the dangers faced by minorities have been evident over the past six months, urging global powers to take action.

US-Brokered Ceasefire and Israeli Intervention

In an effort to prevent further escalation, Syrian interior ministry forces have been deployed in the Druze heartland under a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. This move aims to avert additional Israeli military intervention. Earlier this week, Israel conducted airstrikes on defense ministry forces in Sweida and Damascus, accusing them of committing abuses against Druze civilians during their deployment.

Israel’s Strategic Interests

While Israel asserts its actions are aimed at defending minority communities, some diplomats and analysts suggest that Israel’s true objective is to weaken Syria’s military capabilities. With Syria perceived as a historical adversary and currently vulnerable following Sharaa’s Sunni Islamists’ overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, an Iranian ally, Israel sees an opportunity to assert its strategic interests.