Israel has carried out an attack on Damascus, Syria, resulting in three people killed and 34 injured. According to reports, Israel claims these actions are in support of protecting the Arab Minority group, specifically referencing the Druze. The Druze are a minority religious and ethnic group living in the Middle East, primarily in areas such as Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. Although the Druze have roots in Islam, they are considered a distinct religious group with separate beliefs and practices.
Israel’s relationship with the Druze community is influenced by strategic links with the Druze in areas like the Golan Heights. Additionally, Druze citizens of Israel are integrated into Israeli society, including serving in the military. Israel highlights the Druze’s distinct identity, separate from mainstream Islam, as a factor in their interactions.
Since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 which happened during an offensive led by Hhay’at Tahrir al-Sham with support from the Syrian National Army, Israel has reportedly been carrying out strikes against Syria with the aim of protecting the Druze minority group. The dynamics of Israel’s interactions with the Druze are shaped by the broader geopolitical context of the Middle East.
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