In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Israel has launched a large-scale humanitarian relief operation for the embattled Druze communities of southern Syria, delivering a staggering 10,000 aid packages by air, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Thursday. This effort underscores Israel’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable populations amid Syria’s ongoing turmoil.
The Israeli military, in a meticulously coordinated operation, has been working in close collaboration with Sheikh Mowafaq Ṭarīf, the revered spiritual leader of the Israeli Druze community, alongside the Druze Religious Council and “other regional partners,” to ensure that critical supplies reach those in desperate need. This strategic initiative aims to provide food, medicine, and essential provisions to Druze civilians trapped in a war zone that continues to be marred by instability and violence.
A Lifeline for the Druze: Israel’s Humanitarian Commitment
Approximately 40,000 Druze reside in the conflict-ridden provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida, where years of war have left entire communities struggling for survival. Israel’s aid mission is seen as a historic lifeline, reflecting the deep bond between the Jewish state and the Druze people, who share a complex and intertwined history in the region.
🚨 In recent weeks, Israel has delivered 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to the Druze in Syria. The packages contain basic food such as oil, salt, flour, sugar, rice, etc. Most of the packages were delivered to the "Druze Mountain" in Sweda, and some were delivered to Druze… pic.twitter.com/no21Z5cDC0
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) March 13, 2025
While reports have surfaced regarding a possible agreement between the Syrian Druze leadership and the transitional government in Damascus, a close associate of a key Syrian Druze leader categorically denied these claims in a conversation with The Press Service of Israel on Tuesday. The assertion casts doubt on the Syrian regime’s ability to integrate the Druze into a post-war political structure, raising further questions about the future security and autonomy of these communities.
Druze Laborers to Work in Israeli Golan
In another major policy shift, Israel is preparing to open its borders to Syrian Druze laborers, allowing them to seek employment in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. This groundbreaking decision, set to take effect on Sunday, marks a new chapter in Israeli-Druze relations, offering economic relief and stability to a community that has been left with limited options amidst Syria’s collapsing infrastructure.
.@IsraelMFA, together with @IDF and the Druze leadership in Israel, delivers 10,000 packages of humanitarian assistance to Druze communities in battle areas in Syria.
— 🎗️Tammy Rahamimoff-Honig (@RahamimoffTamar) March 13, 2025
In a region of instability and conflict, friends are paramount 🤝
📷: GPO, Sivan Shachor pic.twitter.com/7BzTYBPsbf
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly advocated for the protection and well-being of the Druze population, calling for the demilitarization of southern Syria and increased security guarantees for the Druze minority. With an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 Druze living in Syria, primarily in the southwestern region near the Israeli and Jordanian borders, their fate has become a growing concern for regional stability and Israeli foreign policy. Netanyahu’s stance, viewed as a significant departure from previous policies, signals Israel’s intention to play a more active role in safeguarding the Druze people from both radical Islamist elements and the Assad regime’s unpredictable actions.
Israel Establishes Military Presence in Strategic Buffer Zone
Israel’s proactive measures have not been limited to humanitarian aid. Following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in December, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly deployed forces into the 235-square-kilometer buffer zone along the Syrian border, preventing hostile Syrian rebel
