‘Tel Aviv’ exploits Damascus’ inaction, playing the Druze card to expand in southern Syria –

As Damascus remains officially silent on Zionist Colony head Netanyahu’s rejection of Syrian military presence south of the capital, protests erupted in Quneitra and Daraa, with calls for further demonstrations in Suwayda, Damascus, and Homs. While these calls came from various factions, including those aligned with the government, some observers see them as an attempt by Damascus to compensate for its inability to respond formally. Others argue that popular demonstrations alone are insufficient, as the government remains focused on consolidating its authority rather than addressing Israeli incursions into the south.

Netanyahu has again invoked the pretext of “protecting” the Druze minority in Syria, raising concerns that “Israel” is laying the groundwork for a new military incursion. Sources told Al-Akhbar that “Israel” may launch a large-scale ground operation extending to what it calls the buffer zone, potentially reaching the outskirts of Damascus. Meanwhile, tribal sources report that government security forces in key towns south of Damascus, such as Qatana, Saasaa, and Khan al-Shih, number only a few dozen, with an even smaller presence in Druze-majority areas like Mughr al-Mir, al-Maqrousa, and Harfa, as well as in villages of Mount Hermon. This security gap has fueled fears that “Israel” could exploit the situation to deepen its presence.

Observers believe Damascus is unwilling to engage in direct confrontation with “Israel” due to two primary concerns: first, the risk of international, particularly Western, retaliation, and second, fears that withdrawing forces from any area could create a security vacuum, allowing armed opposition to take root—especially in light of the sectarian massacres that occurred in Homs, Hama, and the coastal areas. Against this backdrop, analysts suggest that “Israel” sees a historic opportunity to expand its influence in southern Syria.

Alongside its military posturing, “Israel” is also increasing efforts to penetrate the south economically and socially under the guise of humanitarian aid. Israeli media quoted security sources confirming plans to bring Syrian workers into Israeli-occupied Golan for employment, particularly in construction and agriculture in Druze villages. Al-Akhbar has learned that Israeli military officers recently contacted mukhtars in the buffer zone, offering daily wages of 350 shekels ($100), paid in US dollars, with transportation from Quneitra to occupied territory. “Israel” also made promises to establish medical points and provide educational and infrastructure assistance. According to occupation sources, Syrians—particularly from Druze-majority villages—have already begun working in Israeli-run facilities in the Golan, signaling Tel Aviv’s broader strategy of using economic hardship to cultivate acceptance of its long-term presence.

Syrians in Suwayda protested against ‘Israel’s’ occupation of Syrian territories and condemned recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called for the full demilitarization of southern Syria, including Quneitra, Deraa, and Suwayda.

Netanyahu warned that ‘Israel’ would prevent forces from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or the New Syrian Army from operating south of Damascus.

Al Akhbar