The Hebrew newspaper Maariv has highlighted the significant developments in Suwayda following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement, in which he claimed that Israel would not tolerate any threats against the Druze population in southern Syria.
According to the newspaper, Netanyahu’s remarks triggered a crucial shift, with Druze armed groups announcing their allegiance to the “Suwayda Military Council,” led by Tareq Al-Shoufi.
Druze Military Mobilization in Suwayda
Following Netanyahu’s speech, Al-Shoufi responded directly, stating:
“We appreciate everyone who supports and assists in defending the Druze community.”
The report noted that these armed factions organized a military parade in southern Suwayda, near the Jordanian border.
Additionally, Maariv revealed that the Suwayda Military Council has declared its operations to be in coordination with the spiritual leadership of the Druze sect, specifically Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, and with support from Druze institutions and local communities.
Conflicting Positions Within the Druze Community
Despite this apparent unity, Maariv pointed out that Al-Shoufi’s remarks sparked controversy within the Druze community.
To counter the backlash, the Suwayda Military Council issued a follow-up statement on February 24, clarifying that:
-
- It does not seek secession.
-
- Its primary goal is the unity of the Syrian people and security of the Druze in Suwayda.
Meeting Between Druze Leaders and Syrian President
The newspaper also reported that a delegation of Druze figures from Suwayda met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus.
The discussions covered:
-
- Netanyahu’s statements and their impact on the region.
-
- Recent developments in southern Syria.
-
- The integration of Druze armed factions into Syria’s new security structures.
Anti-Israeli Protests in Southern Syria
According to Maariv, Netanyahu’s call for disarmament in southern Syria has sparked a wave of protests against the Israeli occupation, particularly in Daraa and Quneitra.
🚨 Suleiman Abdel Baqi, leader of the “Jabal Al-Arab Free Bloc” in Suwayda, rejected Netanyahu’s statements, denouncing them as foreign interference in Syrian affairs.
A protest in Khan Arnabeh featured a large banner, written in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, which read:
“Israel deceives itself, thinking it has won… but history does not forgive invaders.”
Claims of Ties Between Druze and Kurdish Militias
The article further referenced allegations of a connection between Syrian Druze factions and Kurdish groups, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
As evidence, the newspaper pointed out the similarity between the logo of the “Suwayda Military Council” and the emblem of the SDF.
Israel’s Security Concerns Amid Syria’s Political Shift
The report emphasized that Netanyahu’s demands for disarmament in southern Syria underscore Israel’s growing security anxieties.
The Israeli occupation fears that President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s efforts to present Syria as a unified and stable country could:
-
- Bolster international support for lifting sanctions on Syria.
-
- Undermine Israeli influence over southern Syria.
-
- Shift regional dynamics in favor of Syria’s allies, such as Iran and Turkey.
The article warned that opposition factions in Syria could be exploited by foreign powers, including:
-
- Iran, to expand its regional presence.
-
- Turkey, to increase its influence over Kurdish-held territories.
Escalating Israeli Military Actions in Syria
The newspaper confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces are actively monitoring the situation in southern Syria and regularly intervening militarily to eliminate perceived threats.
🔴 On February 25, Israeli warplanes launched a large-scale airstrike targeting military positions in Daraa and Quneitra.
The Future of Southern Syria: A Ticking Time Bomb?
In its conclusion, Maariv described the situation in southern Syria as increasingly volatile, raising the critical question:
