Several Druze Arab villages in southwestern Syria are calling to be annexed by Israel rather than remain under rebel-controlled Syria, citing concerns over security and radical Islamist threats. The Druze, a religious minority with roots in the Levant, have historically maintained loyalty to their residing nations while prioritizing local stability.
The Druze communities in this region, divided since Israel’s capture of the Golan Heights in the 1967 Six-Day War, have grown increasingly aligned with Israel, particularly after years of conflict in Syria. Many Druze have served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and consider Israel a protector of their people, especially after incidents such as the July 2024 rocket attack by Hezbollah that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams, a Druze village near the Syrian border.
The collapse of the Assad regime has left the Druze villages surrounded by Sunni Islamist rebel factions, some affiliated with Al Qaeda or ISIS. These groups pose significant threats to the Druze population, prompting many to see Israel as a safeguard against violence and instability. The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel has balanced its interactions with Syrian rebels while signaling strong protection for Druze enclaves.
Since the Assad regime’s fall, the IDF has moved into parts of southwestern Syria, including former demilitarized zones and some Druze villages. Reports suggest the IDF’s presence may extend beyond these areas, providing an opportunity for local Druze to request Israeli annexation.
This growing sentiment reflects deep ties between the Druze in Israel and their counterparts in Syria, as well as a recognition of Israel’s role in ensuring the Druze community’s survival amidst the region’s ongoing turmoil.
