Israel has conducted an airstrike near Syria’s Presidential Palace, calling it a 'clear message’ to the new government in Damascus. Israel says that it will not allow Syrian troops to move south of Damascus, or pose a threat to the Druze community.

The Druze people are an ethno-religious group. They are an Arab people, who follow the Druze religion. This religion is an offshoot of Islam. It was formed around the year 1,018. According to some estimates, there are about two million Druze people in the world. Most of them are based in three countries; Syria, Lebanon and Israel. They are a minority in all three nations. And throughout history, they have been persecuted for their faith. Extending to the present day.

Israel is supposedly defending the Druze, after Southern Syria and some Damascus suburbs witnessed deadly sectarian violence this week. Reports say over 100 people were killed in the fighting. Most of them were from this minority community. The clashes erupted after an audio clip went viral on social media. A man was heard insulting the Prophet Muhammad, and this was falsely attributed to a Druze cleric.

Armed gangs, who purportedly support the new Syrian government, reportedly launched attacks on the Druze minority. The community’s own fighters fought back to protect themselves. The violence continued for two days, and only stopped once government forces stepped in. The Syrian government assures that order has been restored, through an agreement with fighters from the Druze community. But Israel still felt the need to wade into the issue and bomb Damascus.

Israel has been projecting itself as the defender of the Druze people. Part of this is due to domestic concerns. Israel is also home to a sizable Druze population. They have been protesting against the attacks on their brethren in Syria. So, the strikes in Damascus could help Israel defuse tensions at home.

druze

Explained | Who are the Druze? Why does Israel want to ‘protect’ them?

druze

Explained | Who are the Druze? Why does Israel want to ‘protect’ them?