Netanyahu and Iran’s Backing of As-Suwayda Rebels Exposed

As-Suwayda Tensions: Analyst Cites Netanyahu, Iranian regime in Support of Rebel Groups

Political analyst Fahd Al-Shulaimi has shed light on teh complex dynamics fueling unrest in Syria’s As-Suwayda province, pointing to a confluence of interests between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Iranian regime in backing rebel factions. Al-Shulaimi’s analysis, rooted in past patterns, suggests a deliberate effort to disrupt regional stability.

“History repeats itself,” Al-Shulaimi remarked, referencing past instances where Syrian tribes united against what he termed the “Israeli-Iranian sectarian project” in As-Suwayda. He emphasized the crucial role of tribal communities,describing them as the “safety valve” of society,in contrast to urban populations who form the “valve of the economy.”

Netanyahu’s Strategic Calculation

The analyst elaborated on Netanyahu’s motivations, highlighting the Israeli Prime Minister’s bid to court the Druze minority within Israel. With approximately 150,000 Druze citizens, representing a significant portion of Israel’s security and military forces, and an additional 24,000 Druze in the occupied Golan Heights, their support holds strategic weight. Al-Shulaimi noted that despite the Druze having only two representatives in the Knesset, Netanyahu’s engagement with them is seen as a move to bolster his political survival, notably in light of his ongoing trial.

al-Shulaimi posited that Netanyahu is seeking to “address another crisis” and achieve political gains by instigating tensions. He suggested that by exploiting the positions of certain figures in As-Suwayda, such as al-Hijri, and what he described as the “Syrian regime’s tails,” Netanyahu aims to capitalize on the volatile situation.

Tribal Resilience and a Call for Unity

In contrast to these external influences, Al-Shulaimi lauded the stance of the Syrian tribes, asserting that their recent actions have reinforced the foundations of the state and “embarrassed Israel.” He urged the people of As-Suwayda to resist what he termed “deviants” intent on destabilizing the province.

Concluding his remarks,Al-Shulaimi invoked the legacy of the late Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara,recalling his emphasis on national construction and unity.He pointed out that this vision garnered global support, with the notable exceptions of Israel and Iran, underscoring a recurring alignment of interests between these two powers against Syrian national cohesion.

How does Iran’s support for rebels in As-Suwayda contribute to the broader Israeli-Iranian conflict?

The Rising Tensions in Southern Syria

Recent reports indicate a concerning escalation of Iranian influence in southern Syria, specifically thru support for rebel groups operating in and around As-Suwayda. This development has ignited scrutiny regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response and the potential implications for regional stability. The As-Suwayda province, a Druze-majority area, has experienced increasing unrest, fueled by economic hardship and political marginalization. While initially framed as localized protests,intelligence suggests a intentional effort to destabilize the region,with Iran playing a key role. This situation is further complicated by the ongoing Syrian Civil War and the presence of various actors,including the Syrian government,Hezbollah,and remnants of opposition forces.

Evidence of iranian Support for As-Suwayda Rebels

Several lines of evidence point towards Iran’s involvement in bolstering the As-Suwayda rebels:

Financial Aid: Sources within the region confirm a steady flow of financial assistance from Iranian-backed entities to rebel leaders. This funding is reportedly used to procure weapons, recruit fighters, and disseminate anti-government propaganda.

Weapons Trafficking: Increased reports of weapons smuggling across the Syrian-Lebanese border, facilitated by Hezbollah, are directly linked to arming rebel groups in As-Suwayda.These weapons include small arms, RPGs, and anti-tank missiles.

Training Camps: Allegations have surfaced regarding the establishment of training camps in areas controlled by Iranian-backed militias, where rebel recruits receive military training and ideological indoctrination.

Propaganda Networks: A elegant network of social media accounts and online publications, linked to Iranian intelligence, is actively spreading disinformation and inciting unrest in As-Suwayda. This includes amplifying grievances and portraying the Syrian government as corrupt and oppressive.

Hezbollah’s Role: Hezbollah, a key Iranian proxy, is believed to be instrumental in coordinating and facilitating the support for the rebels, leveraging its extensive network within Syria.

Netanyahu’s Response and Israeli Concerns

Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently warned against Iran’s growing presence in Syria and its attempts to establish a foothold near Israel’s borders.The situation in As-Suwayda represents a notable escalation of this threat.

Increased Intelligence Gathering: Israeli intelligence agencies have reportedly intensified their monitoring of Iranian activities in southern Syria, focusing on the flow of funds, weapons, and personnel.

Diplomatic Pressure: Israel is actively lobbying international partners to exert pressure on Iran and its proxies to cease their destabilizing activities in Syria.

Potential for Military Action: While Israel has refrained from direct intervention in the Syrian Civil War, the escalating situation in As-Suwayda raises the possibility of preemptive military action to counter the Iranian threat.As of July 19, 2025, Netanyahu remains hospitalized following prostate surgery (Times of Israel, July 18, 2025), perhaps impacting immediate decision-making, though command structures are in place.

Druze Community concerns: Israel has a significant Druze population, and the unrest in as-Suwayda is viewed with particular concern due to the shared religious affiliation. Israel has offered humanitarian aid to the Druze community in syria, but this has been met with resistance from the Syrian government and Iranian-backed forces.

The Geopolitical Implications

The Iranian backing of As-Suwayda rebels has far-reaching geopolitical implications:

Increased regional Instability: The unrest in southern Syria threatens to further destabilize the region, potentially triggering a wider conflict involving multiple actors.

Challenge to Syrian Sovereignty: Iran’s actions represent a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and undermine the authority of the Syrian government.

Escalation of Israeli-Iranian Tensions: The situation in As-Suwayda is likely to exacerbate the already strained relationship between israel and Iran, increasing the risk of direct confrontation.

Humanitarian Crisis: The ongoing unrest is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Syria, displacing civilians and creating a dire need for assistance.

Impact on US Policy: The developments in As-Suwayda could prompt a reassessment of US policy towards Syria and Iran, potentially leading to increased sanctions or military intervention.

Understanding the Druze Factor

The druze community in As-Suwayda holds a unique position.Historically marginalized,they have maintained a degree of autonomy. Iran’s attempts to exploit their grievances and recruit them into rebel groups are viewed with suspicion by many Druze leaders, who fear being used as pawns in a larger geopolitical game. The delicate balance of power within the Druze community, between those who support and oppose Iranian influence, is a critical factor in determining the future of As-Suwayda.

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