By: Zoe Levornik.
On February 24th, Druze military groups from various villages in the Suwayda district, announced they were joining the “Military Council of Suwayda” led by Tareq Al Shoufi. These statements were released the day after Netanyahu’s speech, in which he stated that Israel would not tolerate any threat to the Druze population in southern Syria. Al Shoufi also referred to Netanyahu’s statement, expressing gratitude to everyone supporting and helping to protect the Druze community.
As part of the declaration of the establishment of the council, the factions that joined it held a military procession in the southern part of the district, near the Jordanian border.
The council’s founding statement indicated that its actions were coordinated with the spiritual leader of the community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, and with the support of community institutions and the local population. Al Shoufi stated that the aim of the organization is to rehabilitate the region and ensure the security of the Druze communities there against the infiltration of extremist terrorist elements and the activities of weapons and drug smuggling gangs operating in the region.
In addition, Al Shoufi mentioned that the council would take part in the military of the new Syrian state, which he described as a modern state with equality and human rights. A democratic, secular, federal state, and a state of regional and international justice and peace.
Shortly after al Shoufi’s declaration, many voices in Suwayda spoke out against the move, claiming that the council was not legitimate and that its declaration only represented its members. Sheikh al-Hajri denied that he supported the council and opposed separatist ideas.
As a result, the council was compelled to issue another statement on February 24th, in which it denied that its establishment was for separatist purposes and claimed that its ultimate goal was the unity of the Syrian people and the security of the Druze in Suwayda.
Following these developments, a delegation of Druze dignitaries from Suwayda held a meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa in Damascus (February 24), during which they discussed Netanyahu’s speech, the recent developments in the Suwayda district, efforts to integrate the Druze armed organizations into the new security mechanisms, as well as matters of the region. The delegation included sheikhs, dignitaries, and local militia leaders, who emphasized that they are part of the Syrian state and oppose the disintegration of the state and foreign intervention in its affairs.
It should be noted that Netanyahu’s statements regarding the Druze in Syria, as well as his demand for the demilitarization of the southern part of the country, sparked a wave of protests against Israel in several locations in the Daraa and Quneitra provinces. The leader of the ‘Free Gathering of Jabal al-Arab’ faction in the Suwayda district, Sheikh Suleiman Abdul Baqi, rejected Netanyahu’s statements about complete disarmament in southern Syria and any external interference in the internal affairs of the Syrians. He emphasized Syrian identity and unity and the desire of the Syrians to build their state and live in peace.
The statements about joining the military council raised claims about a connection between the Druze and the Syrian Kurds and cooperation with the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces). These claims are mainly based on the similarity of the council’s new logo to that of the SDF. Despite the speculations, it doesn’t appear to indicate a joint cooperation, but rather two groups opposing the new regime in Syria and potentially challenging it in light of the failure of the transitional government in Damascus to convince the armed groups to join the new Syrian army.
Netanyahu’s statements regarding the demilitarization of southern Syria and the local Druze population reveal the complex and challenging reality in the region, and especially the security threat faced by Israel. The new president, al-Sharaa, is trying to project a new, united, and stable Syria to the world in order to gain the support of the international community and lift the sanctions on Syria. However, it seems tensions are rising with groups opposing the new regime. In the future these groups may serve foreign interests in the region (Iran, Turkey) and pose a threat to Israel.
The new regime’s ability to control what is taking place in southern Syria and prevent the takeover of terrorist organizations on the Israeli border is in doubtful. Much like in the case of Lebanon, Israel’s decision to remain in the buffer zone at several strategic points on the Syrian border is intended to enable Israel to thwart threats and protect the residents in the north of Israel. Israel cannot allow southern Syria to become a fertile ground for the activities of terrorist organizations (and their supporters in the region) as it did in southern Lebanon.
Israel’s presence in southern Syria has been met with condemnation and opposition in Syrian discourse (alongside expressions of support for Israel), but for now, it is a low-intensity threat primarily in statements and not in violent activity, and the danger of forsaking the border is much greater.
The IDF constantly identifies threats in southern Syria and acts to eliminate them. Yesterday (February 25), Israel carried out extensive strikes in southern Syria (in the Daraa province and the Quneitra area) against military targets and weapons depots.
The new regime in Syria makes many promises for a safe and democratic new Syria, but in practice, it is still unclear how it will act against its opponents and whether it will be committed to the security of the border with Israel. The presence of the IDF in southern Syria is essential for maintaining peace and providing a sense of security in the north.
In summary, we cannot determine at this stage whether the character of the new Syria will resemble the jihadist Abu Muhammad al-Julani or the moderated Ahmad al-Sharaa who extends his hand to the international community.
