Context:

A recent surge in sectarian violence in Syria, particularly involving the Druze minority, has highlighted the country's precarious security situation as the new government seeks to assert control. The abduction of a Druze merchant in Suweida triggered deadly clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters, prompting Israeli military intervention ostensibly to protect the Druze. Israel's strikes against Syrian military targets have intensified, aiming to prevent the Syrian army's deployment in southern regions and to counter perceived threats from Islamist fighters near the Israeli border. This escalation has reignited fears of a wider security breakdown in Syria, with Israel positioning itself as a protector of regional minorities while facing accusations of furthering its own interests. The international community, including the US and several Arab nations, has condemned Israel's actions, citing concerns over regional stability and the potential derailment of Syrian state-building efforts post-civil war.

Dive Deeper:

• The Druze are an Arabic-speaking ethno-religious minority in the Middle East, with significant populations in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Golan Heights. They comprise about 3% of Syria's population and have historically maintained a precarious political position, forming their own militias during Syria's civil war.

• Recent violence in Suweida was sparked by the abduction of a Druze merchant, leading to intense clashes between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters. The conflict is part of broader sectarian tensions that have persisted in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

• Israel intervened militarily in Suweida under the pretext of protecting the Druze minority and targeting pro-government forces accused of attacking them. This intervention aligns with Israel's broader strategy of aligning with regional minorities like the Druze, Kurds, and Alawites.

• Israeli airstrikes, initially focused on Suweida, expanded to target key Syrian military sites in Damascus, marking a significant escalation. Israel aims to prevent the Syrian army from consolidating power in southern Syria and to address threats from Islamist groups near its border.

• International reaction has been predominantly critical of Israel's military actions, with the US and several Arab nations expressing concern over the potential for increased instability. The UN and other global actors have condemned the strikes, viewing them as disruptive to Syrian recovery and peace efforts.

• The recent violence underscores the fragility of Syria's post-war landscape, with deep-rooted sectarian divisions posing significant challenges to the new Islamist-led government under Ahmed al-Sharaa. Efforts to reconcile these divisions and establish effective governance face ongoing obstacles.

• Syria's current government, led by former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged to protect the country's minorities, but faces skepticism and resistance, particularly from groups like the Druze, who are wary of state intervention and have historically relied on local militias for security.