| Topic: | Why is it only Israel and not Syria that daily makes the news re 'genocide'? | |
| Posted by: | John Hawkes | |
| Date/Time: | 17/07/25 14:38:00 |
| More Islamist aggression against Israel in the Middle East. https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/whats-happening-in-southern-syria-and-why-israel-is-involved/ 'Over the last 24 hours, southern Syria has seen a sharp escalation in violence involving Syrian government forces, local Druze militias, and Israeli airpower. The developments centre on the city of As-Suwayda and the surrounding region, home to much of Syria’s Druze population, and have drawn renewed attention to the complex relationship between the Druze community, the Syrian regime, and Israel. By this morning, Israel had moved reinforcements to its northern border. The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) reported that dozens of suspects attempted to infiltrate Israeli territory from Syria, specifically in the Khader area. In cooperation with the Border Police, Israeli forces worked to prevent infiltration and to disperse the gathering. What explains this sudden surge in hostilities – and why is Israel involving itself? At the centre of the picture is the Druze minority. Numbering roughly one million across the region, the Druze are a religious community with roots in 11th-century Egypt and theological elements drawn from Islam, Greek philosophy, and other traditions. Reports suggest that Druze communities in and around Suwayda had been under mounting pressure from both the Assad regime and Islamist groups. In late April, tensions escalated dramatically after a group of Syrian Druze were allowed to visit religious sites in Israel for a pilgrimage. Upon returning to Syria, they were accused by jihadist figures of being Israeli agents,. Clerics in several mosques reportedly called for jihad against the Druze. Since then, there have been reports of targeted attacks, executions, and armed assaults on Druze areas. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that more than 200 people have been killed in recent clashes; of those, 92 were Druze, including 21 civilians who were reportedly executed by government forces. A video circulated yesterday appearing to show Syrian soldiers forcibly shaving the moustaches of Druze men – a deliberate act of humiliation and disrespect. Such images have compounded the sense of crisis. The violence has been carried out by forces loyal to Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa, who lacks international credentials and is perceived by some as a jihadist figure, has quickly become a source of both moral and strategic concern for Israeli policymakers. While some argue the killings reflect decentralised militias acting independently, the broader implications for Israel’s security posture and diplomatic strategy are clear. This broader context may explain Israel’s decision to intervene militarily. Although Israel has no formal relationship with the Druze across the border, it has a deep, enduring bond with its own Druze citizens – roughly 150,000 in number. These citizens are not just integrated but often serve at the very heart of Israeli society and national defence. Druze Israelis have long volunteered for the IDF, often serving in elite combat units, special forces, and leadership roles. Their loyalty and bravery have been recognised and respected across Israeli society. Many have paid the ultimate price, including during the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, when Druze fighters were among the first to mobilise and defend Israeli communities. That day, described by some as a national reckoning, also proved a moment of profound solidarity between the Jewish and Druze populations of Israel – reaffirming a relationship built on shared sacrifice and mutual respect.' |