Syria's Forgotten Minority—Why the Druze Deserve Our Protection and Attention | Opinion
NewsweekJUL 17
Report: Nearly 600 Dead in Syria Sectarian Violence
Above: Bedouin fighters are seen in Syria's southern Sweida governorate on July 18, 2025. Image copyright: Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's intervention was necessary to protect the Druze minority from massacre by Syrian government forces and Bedouin tribes. The airstrikes successfully forced a ceasefire and Syrian troop withdrawal, demonstrating that strength, not diplomacy, achieves results in the region. Israel took brave action to protect human rights
Anti-Israel narrative
Israeli strikes violated Syrian sovereignty and used Druze protection as a pretext to prevent Syrian forces from deploying near the Golan Heights. The intervention destabilized Syria and complicated regional security for the sake of Israeli foreign policy interests. Israel benefits from a forever war with Syria.