Israeli Media Questions Druze Protection: “They Spied on Us and Attacked—Why Defend Them?”
Following Israeli Strike Near Assad’s Presidential Palace, Debate Erupts Over IDF’s Role and Risks in Defending Syria’s Druze Minority
Watan-Israeli media has recently focused heavily on the Israeli military’s involvement in Syria, framed by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu as an effort to protect the Druze minority. However, analysts remain deeply divided on the legitimacy and wisdom of such an intervention.
Channel 13 reported that Israel conducted a strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, accompanied by official statements from both Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz.
According to Alon Ben-David, Channel 13’s military analyst:“It’s unclear what Israel actually wants. Does it even have a clear Syria policy? Are we really prepared to risk IDF soldiers to protect Druze near Damascus?”
He continued with a controversial observation:“These same Druze collaborated with [former Syrian president] Bashar al-Assad, spied on us, and even carried out attacks against us in the Golan Heights.”
Meanwhile, Itay Blumental, military affairs reporter for Kan 11, explained that Israel’s message was clear:“Israel will not allow harm to come to Druze in Syria. The Northern Command, Military Intelligence, and IDF HQ are on high alert following the events in Syria.”
He noted that the IDF is actively working to prevent armed groups from reaching Druze villages—especially in the Golan Heights and around Damascus—using “all available means.”
Syrian Reaction & Geopolitical Fallout:
According to Elyor Levy, head of Palestinian affairs at the same network, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa responded swiftly, denouncing the strike near the palace as a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of Syrian sovereignty and its institutions.
Political correspondent Gili Cohen added:“The strike was approved at the highest levels in Israel. From Israel’s perspective, areas of Syria now under control are seen as advanced buffer zones.”
She noted that some Israeli voices are questioning whether Israel is truly protecting the Druze, and what consequences could arise if Druze retaliation or internal massacres occur.
“Repeating the Lebanon Mistake”:
Former IDF operations chief Aharon Aksol compared the situation to Israel’s historic withdrawal from Lebanon, saying:“This is Lebanon all over again. We abandoned the South Lebanon Army and ended up with Hezbollah on our borders. Now we’re about to do the same with the Druze—then wake up to a jihadist Islamic state next door.”
