Israel and the new Syrian government could be on a collision course over threats to the Druze in southern Syria.
The situation escalated quickly after April 28 due to rumors of an audio recording insulting Muslims, resulting in extremist threats against the Druze community. Amidst rising sectarian violence, the IDF has treated injured Druze and warned of potential strikes against Syrian regime targets if violence continues, as the Syrian government rejects foreign interference. The conflict highlights deepening communal fractures in Syria, with tensions between Sunni and Druze communities leading to fatalities and unrest near Damascus.