• Dozens of Israeli Druze crossed into Syria following border breaches.
• Israel conducted airstrikes in response to clashes in the Druze-majority area of Suwayda.
• The Israeli Druze community is facing backlash against Syrian authorities amid rising tensions.

Recently, dozens of Israeli Druze reportedly crossed the border into Syria after illegal breaches, amidst rising tensions in the region. According to local media, while the Israeli army managed to return several Israeli Druze from the buffer zone, many remain in Syria alongside Syrian Druze who entered Israel. Footage showed large groups of Druze entering Syria, with reports suggesting some fled due to alleged violations occurring in Suwayda, following violent confrontations that have taken a considerable toll on the community, as over 30 people died in clashes involving armed Druze and Bedouin groups, raising concerns for their safety, according to aa and lemonde.

The increased hostilities have prompted Israel to launch airstrikes in the region, with an emphasis on Druse-majority areas, ostensibly to protect the Druze community. However, critics argue that Israel's actions are self-serving, aimed at asserting control over southern Syria under the guise of security. Tuba Yildiz, an expert in Middle Eastern politics, has stated that “the idea that Israel wants to protect the Druze is not realistic,” emphasizing that such strikes result in significant civilian casualties and further complicate the already fragile political landscape, as highlighted by trtglobal and lemonde.

Amid this turmoil, Israeli Druze are expressing their frustration towards both the Israeli and Syrian authorities. Many have traveled into Syria with the intention of supporting their relatives against the ongoing aggression and chaos. A resident from Majdal Shams remarked, “Everyone here is outraged by these massacres and is looking for any way to help their relatives on the other side of the border.” This sentiment reflects a deep-seated loyalty to their community amidst a complex and often adversarial geopolitical environment, according to aa and lemonde.