Since the 13th of this month, armed conflicts have erupted in the southern Syrian province of Soudda, home to the Druze community. The outbreak has resulted in significant casualties. Following the outbreak of armed conflict in southern Syria, Israel immediately responded by targeting military targets in Soudda and Daraa provinces on two consecutive days, from the 14th to the 15th. On the 16th, Israeli forces struck several critical targets in Damascus. Analysts point out that Israel’s strong involvement in the southern Syrian armed conflict is driven by multiple considerations.
Firstly, Israel repeatedly demands a “complete de-militaization” of the three southern Syrian provinces of Soudda, Daraa, and Quneitra, prohibiting the Syrian regime’s armed forces from entering the south.
Secondly, there is a deep historical and cultural connection between Israeli Druze and Syrian Druze peoples. The conflict in Soudda province has caused discontent among Israeli Druze.
Israel intends to increase its bargaining chips in negotiations with the Syrian regime.
Following the dramatic political changes in Syria, Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes against Syrian targets, claiming to prevent the military equipment of the former Syrian regime from falling into the hands of hostile forces. It also occupied the Golan Heights military buffer zone and surrounding areas. However, in recent months, Israel has significantly reduced its airstrikes against Syria, while media reports continuously reveal that the Syrian regime is engaging in indirect or direct negotiations with Israel.
However, after Israel’s intervention, the Syrian regime faces severe difficulties in restoring actual control over Soudda province and resolving local Druze armed factions. Solving the conflict in Soudda province will be a major test for the Syrian regime.