Israeli Moves in Southern Syria: Escalating airstrikes, protective offer to Druze, and a push for federalism

TEL AVIV / DRUCO and SUWAYDA, Syria— In a bold display of military and diplomatic maneuvering, Israel has intensified its operations in southern Syria while proposing a radical reconfiguration of the war-torn nation’s political future. Overnight on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes carried out multiple airstrikes against military targets in strategic locations such as Kiswah and Druco (Daraa), sending a stark warning to Syrian forces and affiliated groups operating near its borders.

Military Operations and Demilitarization Demands

Israeli officials have made no secret of their determination to clear what they call a “security zone” in southern Syria. The airstrikes, confirmed by Defense Minister Israel Katz, targeted key military installations and weapons depots. In his statements, Katz warned that any attempt by military forces of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) headed by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the former head of the now dissolved Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), or non-state actors to establish a foothold in the area would be met with overwhelming force. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently reiterated that southern Syria must be completely demilitarized. He declared that the region “will not become southern Lebanon,” emphasizing that Israel’s actions aim to preclude any hostile buildup that could threaten its national security.

These recent strikes follow a prolonged period of heightened tension. After the fall of the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad in December and the subsequent entry of Israeli forces into the UN buffer zone in southern Syria, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes across the country targeting military equipment and ammunition stockpiles.

Since then, Israel’s military operations had largely subsided until renewed concerns over weapons transfers and security lapses prompted a return to action. Israeli forces claim that their operations have uncovered caches of rockets, explosives, and other military hardware abandoned in the chaos following the regime’s collapse, necessitating their destruction before such armaments can empower opposition forces.

Israel Support for Federal Syria

Amid the military escalation, a striking diplomatic proposal has emerged from Israel’s top ranks. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, speaking at a high-level EU-Israel forum in Brussels, argued that the key to stabilizing Syria lies in transforming it into a federal state. Sa’ar contended that the country’s longstanding internal divisions could only be reconciled by granting autonomous status to its diverse regions. According to him, a decentralized Syria — where different communities enjoy a measure of self-governance — would better accommodate the country’s ethnic, religious, and political pluralism.

Sa’ar’s remarks come at a time when the STG, criticized for its lack of inclusivity, is struggling to consolidate power amid a legacy of civil conflict. Labeling the current regime as an “Islamist, jihadist terror group” and dismissing its capacity to manage Syria’s myriad challenges, Sa’ar proposed that international partners work together to foster a federal system. His proposal, if implemented, could significantly alter the balance of power in the region and challenge the centralized model that has long defined Syrian politics.

Extending Protection to Druze in Syria

Adding another layer to Israel’s evolving strategy, Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly vowed to protect the Druze community residing in southern Syria. In a series of statements delivered at military ceremonies and through official channels, Netanyahu declared that Israel would not tolerate any threat to the Druze. This pledge is particularly significant given the Druze’s precarious position in Syria — a community that has historically faced persecution and, in recent years, suffered attacks by extremist factions.

In what appears to be a concrete step toward this promise, reports indicate that Israeli authorities are developing pilot programs designed to allow Syrian Druze to work in Israeli towns on the Golan Heights. This initiative not only aims to strengthen cross-border ties between Druze communities but also reflects Israel’s broader strategic interest in securing friendly elements along its vulnerable border. By fostering economic and social links with the Druze, Israel seeks to build a protective network that could deter future aggression from hostile actors.

Regional Repercussions and International Criticism

Israel’s actions have not gone unnoticed by its neighbors or the international community. Syrian officials have vehemently condemned the airstrikes and the broader intrusion into what they insist is sovereign territory. At the National Dialogue Conference held shortly before the strikes, Syrian representatives decried the violation of the UN-mandated buffer zone and called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces. The establishment of local security entities, such as the newly formed Sweida Military Council, underscores the deep fissures within Syria as different factions prepare to defend their interests.

Regional powers have also voiced their concerns. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of pursuing an expansionist agenda under the guise of security. Fidan’s remarks highlight a broader geopolitical backlash, as many in the region view Israel’s dual strategy — military intervention combined with political proposals — as an attempt to reshape Syria to suit its own strategic interests.

Local protests have erupted in southern Syria as well. In cities like Suwayda, Druze and other Syrian citizens have taken to the streets, decrying any foreign intervention and calling for a united, sovereign Syria. Banners proclaiming “Syria belongs to the Syrians” and slogans decrying the “occupation” have become common sights in areas directly affected by the escalating conflict.

Crossroads for Syria’s Future

At this critical juncture, Israel’s multi-pronged approach — combining airstrikes, a call for federalism, and explicit promises to protect vulnerable minority communities — underscores its determination to influence the future of Syria. While Israeli military actions are aimed at neutralizing immediate security threats, the push for a federalized Syria reveals a long-term strategy to dismantle the centralized power that has long defined the Syrian state. In Netanyahu’s view, these measures are essential not only for the security of Israel but also for curbing the spread of extremism and instability in the region.

However, the international community remains divided. Some view Israel’s proposals as a necessary intervention to restore order in a fractured Syria, while others see them as an overreach that risks further entrenching regional divisions. As discussions over Syria’s future continue in diplomatic circles in Brussels, Washington, and beyond, the world watches to see whether a federal solution might be the key to ending decades of conflict — or merely a stepping-stone to further instability.

For now, Israel’s clear message is twofold: it will use military might to secure its borders, and it is prepared to reshape Syria’s political landscape if it means preventing hostile forces from gaining a foothold. Whether this ambitious strategy will lead to lasting stability or provoke further conflict remains an open question, as both regional and global actors brace for the next chapter in this complex and rapidly evolving crisis.