Israel deploys additional forces to Syrian border amid Druze tensions PHOTO

Following a series of overnight attacks targeting Syrian forces in southern Syria, Israeli Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has ordered enhanced intelligence-gathering operations to bolster the effectiveness of further strikes.

According to a statement issued by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the army will be redeploying additional units to the command of the Northern Command headquarters, with the stated aim of increasing the pace of operations and preventing further attacks against the Druze population in Syria, Caliber.Az reports.

The statement affirmed the IDF’s commitment to its alliance with the Druze community, saying that Israeli forces are conducting strikes across Syria to protect Druze populations in areas such as Suwayda, the Druze Mountain, and other locations as needed.

The 210th Division will reportedly be reinforced with additional troops in the border area and buffer zone positions. The IDF emphasised that unauthorised crossings into Syria pose risks to both Druze civilians and Israeli military personnel, and must cease immediately.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that hundreds—and in some sources, thousands—of Israeli Druze have crossed into Syria, many of them reportedly armed.

Buses carrying Israeli Druze citizens who wish to support their Syrian counterparts have also been seen heading towards the Golan Heights from various parts of the country.

Violence erupted on July 12 in southern Syria’s Druze-majority Suwayda, triggered by the abduction of a Druze merchant, quickly escalating into deadly sectarian clashes between Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and government forces.

By July 14, at least 30 were killed and over 100 wounded, including 18 Syrian security personnel, during clashes in Suwayda city.

A fragile ceasefire declared on July 15, enforced via Syrian military police, collapsed within hours as both sides resumed fighting. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri urged resistance, rejecting state control.

In response, Israel launched airstrikes on July 15–16: first targeting Syrian tanks and rocket launcher convoys near Suwayda, then striking the Syrian Defence Ministry and General Staff complex in Damascus—warning of “painful blows” unless Syrian troops withdraw. Israeli drones also struck Suwayda.

Casualty estimates vary: the Syrian Observatory reports over 250 killed, including civilians and soldiers, while Reuters cites up to 300.

By Aghakazim Guliyev