Behind Israel’s support for the Druze lies goal to weaken Syria

Israel’s commitment to defending the Syrian Druze serves a strategic goal of weakening Syria, as indicated by Israeli leaders. Following clashes in Syria, Israel justified military strikes, claiming to protect the Druze community, with Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing a refusal to allow threats against them. Analysts suggest Israel uses Druze concerns as a pretext for its military presence in Syria, while the Israeli Druze population remains loyal to Israel, contrasting with their Syrian counterparts who assert their identity as part of Syria.