It seems there's no scenario too imaginative for the Middle East to provide: Israel attacking Damascus to protect Druze from Muslims.

To understand the what and the who – here are a few words about the Druze in general, about the Druze in Israel, and about the difficult situation of the Druze in Syria.

The Druze Religious Community

The Druze community is a unique ethno-religious group, characterized by a secretive faith and closed social customs. The Druze religion developed from within Shia Islam but separated from it and became an independent religion with distinctive characteristics.

When and how was it created?

The Druze religion was founded at the beginning of the 11th century CE in Fatimid Egypt. It emerged from a religious-philosophical movement within Isma'ili Shia Islam, which was associated with the sixth Fatimid Caliph, al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah.

The Druze religion closed its doors to new converts in 1043, after a short period of public preaching. Since then, it has been considered a closed and secretive religion, and only those born to Druze parents can be Druze.

Establishment in the mountains of Lebanon, Hermon, and Galilee: After the religion closed, the Druze were persecuted in Egypt, and the community was forced to migrate and establish itself in mountainous and isolated areas, mainly in Mount Lebanon, Mount Hermon, the Galilee, and Jabal al-Druze (Syria). This isolation helped them preserve their unique faith and culture.

How many Druze live in the world today?

Estimates regarding the number of Druze worldwide range from one million to one and a half million. The largest communities are found in the Middle East:

Syria: The largest community, estimated at around 650,000 Druze, mainly in the Jabal al-Druze (Druze Mountain) region in southern Syria, as well as in the Mount Hermon area.

Lebanon: A large and influential community, estimated at around 300,000 Druze, mainly in Mount Lebanon and the Chouf region.

Israel: A significant community, estimated at around 150,000 Druze, in the Galilee, Carmel, and Golan Heights.

Jordan: A relatively small community, estimated at around 30,000 Druze, mainly in the north of the country.

Diaspora communities: Smaller Druze communities exist in the United States, Canada, Australia, Venezuela, and other countries, who have emigrated from the Middle East, totaling approximately 100,000 Druze outside the Middle East.

The Connection of the Druze Community in Israel to the State of Israel

The relationship between the Druze community in Israel and the State of Israel is unique and profound, often referred to as a "covenant of blood." Unlike most of the Arab population in Israel, Druze men serve fully in the IDF (boys only). The connection between the Druze in Israel and the state is much deeper than just military service, which is merely one very significant and costly expression of the unity of fate between the Druze and the Jews in Israel.

The Druze in Israel proudly fly the Druze flag alongside the flag of Israel, with its Jewish symbols. The Druze religion rejects the desire for Druze sovereignty, and part of its essence is integration into society under the existing government.

Current Events in Syria

These days (mid-July 2025), severe violent events are unfolding in the As-Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria, which serves as the Druze capital in Syria. The clashes began between armed Druze and Bedouin tribes but escalated significantly with the entry of Syrian regime forces into the area, claiming to curb the violence.

In fact, a massacre, abuse, and humiliation are taking place, with hundreds killed and wounded, including executions of civilians. The Muslim jihadists are employing a brutality familiar to us from October 7th and the madness ISIS used to display. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 250 people have been killed, including civilians, women, and children. Cases of humiliation and damage to Druze symbols have been documented.

The events have sparked widespread outrage among the Druze community in Israel and worldwide. Leaders of the Druze community in Israel declared a general strike and "days of rage," calling on the Israeli government to act for the protection of their brethren in Syria. Many hundreds of Israeli Druze crossed the border into Syria in protest and out of a desire to assist their Druze brethren in Syria.

In response to the events, Israel attacked Syrian regime military targets in the As-Suwayda area and Damascus. The Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Defense stated that the attacks were intended to prevent harm to the Druze and ensure the demilitarization of the area adjacent to the border. Israeli security officials emphasized that this is a test of Israel's policy for demilitarizing southern Syria and its commitment to the Druze.

map: https://www.britannica.com/place/Syria