By: Joe Hammoura
For decades, two key strategic perspectives have defined the Druze political position. One argues that their dispersion across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel weakens them, limiting their influence and leaving them vulnerable. The other sees this fragmentation as a strength, granting them the flexibility to align with different powers based on their respective national circumstances.
Today, Syria’s Druze find themselves navigating between these two views under far more precarious conditions. The new Syrian regime is consolidating control over southern territories, while the Druze face increasing pressure from Damascus’s central authority. The government’s Islamist-leaning and unification-driven policies have left many Druzes feeling alienated, forcing them to reconsider their political and security strategies.
As internal Syrian tensions escalate and regional powers entrench their influence, the Druze must decide between maintaining neutrality or adapting to an evolving landscape shaped by mounting regional and international pressures.
Israel’s Role and the Druze Predicament
The challenges confronting Syria’s Druze extend beyond their internal struggles. Israel, a key regional player, positions itself as a protector of the Druze community, repeatedly asserting its willingness to intervene should they come under threat. This became particularly evident during recent tensions in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus with a significant Druze and Christian population. After reports of potential threats from the new Syrian regime, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a direct warning on March 1st:
“We have instructed our military to prepare and issued a clear message: If the regime targets the Druze, we will retaliate.”
Israel’s involvement is not merely a symbolic stance but part of a broader strategic agenda. As Syria undergoes a fragile political transition, with an interim government struggling to unify military forces or dismantle militias, Israel is actively asserting its influence. Through intensified airstrikes on Syrian military positions in the south, particularly in Daraa, Quneitra, and rural Damascus, and the recent events in Jaramana confirm that Israel plays a key role in redefining lines of control in the region.
For Syria’s Druze, this presents a complex dilemma. On one hand, Israeli protection offers a vital security guarantee amid threats from the Syrian regime. On the other, aligning too closely with Israel could exacerbate sectarian and ethnic tensions within Syria. Their relationship with Druze communities in Israel adds another layer of complexity, particularly as some Syrian Druze factions, such as the “Syrian Brigade Party”, advocate for political solutions including federalism or diplomatic engagement with Israel. At the same time, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, has played a crucial role in securing Israeli support, including humanitarian aid to Syrian Druze, reducing their dependency on Damascus.
Alternative Alliances
Another option suggested by some observers is strengthening ties with local Syrian forces, including the Syrian regime. However, this path carries significant risks, particularly given the regime’s arbitrary policies and its ongoing struggle against widespread opposition from various segments of Syrian society, including a large portion of the Druze community. The Druze may find themselves at odds with the new regime, which is marked by a rigid Islamist unifying agenda that clashes with Syria’s complex religious, sectarian, and ethnic diversity.
Given these realities, the Druze’s traditional strategy of neutrality is becoming increasingly unsustainable. While many Syrian Druze strongly identify with their national identity, they cannot ignore Israel’s growing regional influence. At the same time, fully aligning with Israel carries risks of internal divisions and broader sectarian conflict.
One of the major challenges facing Syria’s Druze is the absence of a unified leadership. Without a clear and cohesive strategy, they remain divided between those seeking security within the Syrian state and those looking toward regional alliances, including Israel, for protection. However, without a deep understanding of Syria’s rapidly changing landscape, the Druze risk becoming collateral in larger geopolitical struggles, particularly as Israel intensifies its involvement in Syria.
What Lies Ahead?
Ultimately, Syria’s Druze must define their long-term strategic priorities. Will they continue manoeuvring between stronger regional forces? Can they secure safety and autonomy within the framework of the Syrian state? Or will their increasing engagement with Israel evolve into a formalized alliance, creating a security buffer for Israel while ensuring protection for the Druze?
The answers to these questions will shape the future of the Druze community in Syria and offer critical insights into the broader power dynamics in the region, particularly Israel’s evolving role in Syria, alongside U.S. interests.
