Israel has granted limited access to Syrian internal security forces in the Sweida region of southern Syria for the next 48 hours, following a surge of violence in the area. An unnamed Israeli official confirmed this decision on Friday, stating it was made in response to the ongoing instability surrounding the Druze city of Sweida.
The Syrian interior ministry spokesperson clarified that government forces do not plan to redeploy to the Sweida Province, as reported by the state news agency. Tensions escalated after Syrian troops withdrew from the area following a truce on Wednesday. Clashes reignited late on Thursday between fighters from Bedouin tribes and the Druze community, a religious minority in Syria with significant ties to Lebanon and Israel.
Local residents and Ryan Marouf, head of the news outlet Sweida24, reported that violence persisted in various parts of Sweida province into Friday. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the recent clashes have resulted in at least 254 fatalities over four days, including medical personnel, women, and children.
In response to the violence, Israel has taken military action, targeting Syrian troops in Sweida and striking areas near the presidential palace in Damascus. The Israeli government has expressed its determination to protect the Druze community, which has called for support amid the turmoil. An Israeli military source described the new Islamist-led Syrian government as “barely disguised jihadists,” reinforcing Israel’s stance against any troop movements from Syria into the south.
The UN human rights office has urged Syria’s interim authorities to address human rights violations reported during the fighting, including summary executions and kidnappings. Significant incidents include the unlawful killing of at least 13 individuals during a family gathering on July 15, alongside six men executed near their homes on the same day.
The UN refugee agency has called for all parties to ensure humanitarian access, which has been severely restricted due to the ongoing violence. The escalating situation has drawn differing responses from international players. While Israel remains suspicious of Syria’s new leadership, the United States has distanced itself from Israel’s recent military actions, stating it does not support the strikes. The US previously intervened to facilitate a truce between government forces and Druze fighters, which appeared to hold as of Thursday.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has accused Israel of attempting to fracture Syria’s unity and has pledged to safeguard the Druze minority within the country. As the situation develops, the impact on regional stability remains uncertain, and the humanitarian needs continue to grow.
