What's really going on between Israel and Syria?

Summary

In this deep dive, ME Live explores the escalating conflict between Israel and Syria, marked by Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and the complex internal violence between Drews factions and Bedwin tribes in Syria's Sueda region. The conversation highlights Israel's strategic interests in weakening Syria, the Syrian government's struggles with sectarian violence, and the tension between Israel and its ally, the U.S. regarding Syria's rebuilding efforts. Syrian analyst Radwan Zad discusses the dilemma facing Syria's leadership, the potential for more sectarian violence, and the challenges in restoring peace and security for vulnerable communities, including minorities in Sueda.

Takeaways

• 😀 Israeli air strikes targeted Damascus, Syria, killing at least three people and injuring dozens, continuing for the third consecutive day.
• 😀 The strikes were reportedly launched to support Syria's Druze minority amid escalating violence between Druze armed groups, Bedouin tribes, and government forces in southern Syria.
• 😀 Despite a ceasefire announcement by local Druze leaders and the Syrian government, Israeli attacks continued, escalating the situation.
• 😀 Israel's actions against Syrian security forces were condemned by Syrian analyst Radwan Zad, who argued that Israel's intervention worsened the conflict rather than helping to resolve it.
• 😀 Tensions between Israel and the US have increased as Israel's actions against Syria seem to contradict US calls for de-escalation and normalization efforts in the region.
• 😀 Syrian government forces had already faced criticism for their handling of the violence, with reports of human rights violations, yet Israel’s attacks further complicated the situation.
• 😀 The US has advised Israel against continued aggression in Syria, but Israel has ignored these warnings, continuing attacks on Syrian security institutions.
• 😀 Radwan Zad emphasized that the Syrian government faces limited options, either intervening in Suwaida to end sectarian violence or allowing it to escalate further.
• 😀 Syrian President Al-Shar's recent speech called for unity in the face of Israeli aggression and pledged to protect the Druze community, though his rhetoric hinted at a possible shift towards more confrontational language.
• 😀 The debate over Syria’s potential normalization with Israel remains contentious. Syrians want security agreements, but they are wary of normalizing relations without addressing occupied territories and Israel's actions in the region.

Q & A

Why did Israel launch airstrikes in Damascus?

Israel's airstrikes in Damascus were reportedly launched in support of Syria's Druze minority, following violent clashes between Druze armed groups, Bedouin tribes, and government forces in the southern Syrian city of Sueda. The strikes escalated tensions in the region, despite a ceasefire being announced.

What was the international response to Israel's airstrikes?

Israel's airstrikes raised international concern, with both Turkey and the US stepping in to support ceasefire efforts. The strikes also highlighted a divergence between Israel and its ally, the US, which was advocating for de-escalation and supporting Syria's rebuilding efforts.

How did Syrian analyst Radwan Zad explain Israel's actions in Syria?

Radwan Zad argued that Israel's actions were aimed at keeping Syria weak and divided, rather than genuinely supporting the Druze community. He criticized Israel for exacerbating sectarian violence and undermining Syria's stability.

What were the consequences of Israel's intervention in Sueda and Damascus?

Israel's intervention escalated the situation by attacking Syrian government personnel and security forces sent to restore order in Sueda. This led to increased sectarian violence and created further challenges for the Syrian government in managing the region.

Why did the US and Israel appear to be at odds regarding the situation in Syria?

The US was calling for de-escalation, supporting Syria's rebuilding efforts and normalization with the country. However, Israel continued its attacks on Syrian security forces, ignoring US advice to halt the aggression, leading to tension between the two countries.

What challenges does Syria face in responding to Israeli aggression?

Syria faces limited options in responding to Israeli aggression. If the government intervenes to secure Sueda, it risks further Israeli attacks. If it does not, the sectarian violence could continue to escalate. Additionally, the Syrian government is criticized for human rights violations committed by its own forces.

What is the role of the Druze community in the conflict, and why is Israel involved?

The Druze community in Syria is divided, with some leaders coordinating with Israel. Israel's involvement, however, is seen by Radwan Zad as an effort to support a sectarian faction and maintain instability in Syria. The community's situation remains tense, with internal divisions and external pressures.

How did Syrian President al-Shar address the Israeli aggression?

Syrian President al-Shar condemned Israeli actions, pledging to protect the Druze community while emphasizing the need for national unity against Israeli aggression. His speech reflected a desire to avoid escalation while also asserting Syria's sovereignty.

What are the Syrian people's views on normalization with Israel?

Syrians are divided on normalization with Israel. While some believe security agreements could help stabilize the region, many are opposed to normalization due to unresolved territorial disputes, such as the Golan Heights, and Israel's violations of past agreements.

Why is the issue of normalization with Israel especially sensitive for Syria?

Normalization with Israel is particularly sensitive for Syria due to its territorial disputes with Israel, including the Golan Heights, and the history of conflict between the two countries. Syrians view normalization as complicated by Israel's failure to respect previous agreements and its ongoing occupation of Syrian territory.