Israel’s Opposition Leaders Call for Intervention in Syria to “Protect Druze” Amid Regional Tensions
As Tel Aviv escalates airstrikes near Damascus, Israeli politicians demand military involvement under the pretext of protecting Syrian Druze—sparking warnings of foreign exploitation and rising sectarian strife.

Watan-Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announcing an airstrike near Syria’s presidential palace, opposition leaders in Israel are now openly calling for military intervention in Syria under the guise of protecting the Druze minority.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on X that Israel “cannot abandon the Druze in Syria”, stressing that the Syrian regime must understand the Druze are “our allies” and Israel “will not stand by” as they are attacked.
Benny Gantz, head of the opposition’s National Unity Party, echoed Lapid’s call, saying he spoke on Friday morning with Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Druze in Israel. Gantz claimed Israel had a “moral obligation and strategic interest” in supporting Druze in Syria.
“This is first and foremost a values-based alliance with those who live and fight alongside us,” Gantz said. “Their relatives are in danger, and we must protect the Druze-held areas in Syria from extremist groups.”
The statements followed Druze protests across Israel, including road closures in the Galilee and Carmel, and demonstrations near Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea, demanding action to stop what they called a “massacre” of Druze in Syria.
In response, Netanyahu and Katz confirmed that Israeli warplanes struck near the presidential palace in Damascus, calling it a “clear warning” to Syria’s new leadership:“We will not allow hostile forces near southern Damascus or any threat to the Druze.”
The U.S. State Department also issued a statement, condemning violence and threats against the Druze and urging Syria’s interim authorities to “protect all civilians” and “end sectarian conflict”, while calling for a representative future government in Syria.
Calls for Israeli Military Involvement
The Druze Veterans Association in Israel sent a memorandum to Netanyahu and Katz urging direct military intervention in Syria.
“Hundreds of Druze fighters are ready to volunteer to fight alongside their brethren,” the memo stated, “even at personal risk.”
Earlier, Muwaffaq Tarif called on Israel and the international community to act immediately to prevent a massacre near Damascus:“Israel must not stand idly by,” he warned.
The statements sparked a wave of pro-Druze demonstrations in Israel, with protestors chanting:“With our soul and blood, we sacrifice for you, Sahnaia.”
Caution Against Military Escalation
Former Israeli National Security Adviser Giora Eiland urged caution, stating that direct intervention near Damascus is unrealistic, given the distance and chaotic combat landscape.
Speaking to Israeli public radio, Eiland said:“It’s far easier for Israel to operate in Jabal al-Arab (Sweida) than Damascus. Can Israel really help? The question is whether ‘al-Joulani’ [Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa] controls the armed groups.”
He suggested that a diplomatic approach could be more effective than force:“Israel is relying solely on military power instead of exploring softer, diplomatic options.”
Historical Context: Israeli Druze-Syria Relations
The tensions are not new. In 1954, under the rule of Syrian President Adib al-Shishakli, prominent Druze figures were arrested, leading to public protests by Druze members of the Israeli Knesset, including Jabr Dahash Maadi, who urged the Israeli government to intervene in Syria.
Historian Mansour Maadi recounts in his 2014 book “Sheikh Jabr Dahash Maadi: A Man of Dignity”, how Druze leaders and even then-Prime Minister Moshe Sharett expressed concern over Syrian repression of Druze, proposing formal discussions in Israel’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee.
Efforts were made to undermine the Shishakli regime using Israeli media. The regime collapsed later that year.
A Warning Against Exploitation
Dr. Thaer Abu Saleh, from Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, warned on social media:
“Syrians, beware. Regional and global powers do not wish you well. They exploit the weak among us to spark sectarian division and justify intervention.”
He urged unity:“We need a spiritual council from all sects to confront such threats and prevent Syria from becoming a battlefield of sectarian strife.”
“Let’s not betray the blood of millions of martyrs who died to build a new Syria for all Syrians. Do not let their sacrifice be in vain.”