Who are the Druze, and why is Israel risking conflict over them?

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Tensions are flaring in southern Syria, where recent clashes between Druze villagers and Bedouin tribes spiraled into deadly violence, prompting a shaky ceasefire and military response from Damascus.

The spotlight has turned to the Druze, a secretive, close-knit religious minority spread across Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Though divided by borders, they see themselves as one people, bound by deep-rooted loyalty and tradition. Now, Israel is stepping in to protect its Druze kin, but is defending a distant community worth igniting fresh conflict?

In a region where faith, identity, and politics collide, the Druze story offers a rare glimpse into loyalty without borders. Click through to explore who they are, why they matter, and what’s truly at stake.

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

In Syria’s Suweida province, tensions reignited on July 13 after a Druze merchant was reportedly abducted, setting off fresh clashes between longtime rivals: Druze locals, Bedouin militias, and government forces.

A heavy toll in Suweida

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

One week on, over 1,100 people had reportedly been killed in Suweida, according to UK-based monitors. Accusations of atrocities are being leveled at all sides: Druze fighters, Bedouin militias, and Syrian government forces alike.

Promises and doubts

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Syria’s president and ex-militant, Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledges to protect minorities, but critics, including Israel, remain skeptical. Recent sectarian violence, like the killing of hundreds of Alawites in March, deepens fears for minority communities post-Assad.

Unity across borders

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Though divided by national lines and political tensions, the Arabic-speaking Druze see themselves as one people, bound by deep family ties, tight-knit communities, and a shared sense of identity that transcends borders.

Faith without formality

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

The Druze don’t gather in churches or mosques, nor do they follow formal rituals. Their spiritual teachings are reserved for an initiated few, the uqqāl, or “the wise," while most Druze, the juhhāl, lead largely secular lives. 

A minority with deep roots

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Of the Druze’s estimated one million followers, around half live in Syria, making up 3% of the country's population. In Israel and the Golan Heights, about 152,000 Druze are known for their strong civic ties and participation in military service. 

Loyalty that shapes strategy

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

The Druze’s loyalty and service have secured them a special status in Israeli society. This bond also influences Israel’s regional moves, especially its involvement in southern Syria, home to many Druze communities.

Defying control

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Since Assad’s fall, the Druze in southern Syria have pushed back against government control. Divided in their stance, many reject state security forces and avoid joining the Syrian army, choosing to rely on local militias to protect their communities.

A divided perspective

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

But not everyone sees Israel’s role as protective. Some Druze in Syria and Lebanon accuse Israel of deepening sectarian divides to push its own expansionist agenda in the region.

Guarding the Golan

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Israel is especially wary of Islamist fighters operating near its northern border in the occupied Golan Heights, viewing their presence as a direct threat to regional security.

Crossing the line

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

The strikes marked Israel’s most serious escalation in Syria since December 2024, when it destroyed hundreds of military sites and took control of a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, violating a 1974 deal that banned military presence there.

Regional backlash

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

Israel’s airstrikes drew sharp condemnation across the Arab world. Lebanon, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Kuwait all criticized the attacks, while Saudi Arabia called them “blatant,” and Iran dismissed them as “all too predictable.”

UN joins the chorus

Ancient neighbors, modern warfare, A heavy toll in Suweida, Promises and doubts, Unity across borders, Faith without formality, A minority with deep roots, Loyalty that shapes strategy, Defying control, A divided perspective, Guarding the Golan, Crossing the line, Regional backlash, UN joins the chorus

UN Secretary-General António Guterres added his voice to the growing international criticism, condemning Israel’s strikes as dangerously escalatory in an already fragile situation.

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