Fears have escalated within the Druze population, concentrated mainly in the southern Sweida province, regarding their safety under the emergent authority dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
As detailed by Israel Hayom, community leaders have directly communicated their anxieties to Israeli officials, seeking intervention. Responding decisively, IDF Chief Halevi issued a public warning, signaling that harm to the Druze would not be tolerated by Israel.
Further demonstrating Israel's focus on Druzes, Ynetnews reported that the IDF conducted airstrikes near Damascus. The operation specifically targeted "regime-aligned extremists" who were reportedly preparing an imminent attack on Druze villages. The preemptive strike highlights Israel's active monitoring of the situation and its readiness to use military force to protect the minority group from perceived threats arising during Syria's transition. The problem remains volatile as regional powers closely watch post-Assad Syria developments.