Israeli Druze Protest Sweida Violence Amid Druze-Government Clashes

Violence has escalated in Syria's Druze-majority city of Sweida amid clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin groups, prompting Druze leaders to urge local resistance against incoming Syrian government forces. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri accused the Syrian government of violating a ceasefire by continuing shelling and breaching agreements meant to quell violence, calling the campaign a "total war of extermination." Despite initial statements allowing government troops to enter Sweida to restore order, al-Hajri later denounced the deployment as imposed and urged the Druze community to confront the assault with all available means. Concurrently, Israel conducted airstrikes on Syrian forces advancing in Sweida, aiming to protect the Druze minority, which maintains strong ties across Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. The unrest reflects broader sectarian tensions and resistance toward the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which seeks to consolidate control after overthrowing Bashar al-Assad. The situation remains volatile, with thousands displaced and ongoing calls for humanitarian and military assistance to protect the Druze population.