South Syrians Divided: A Rift with Israel

Syrian Farmland Engulfed by Flames Amidst Accusations of Israeli Military Involvement

Quneitra, Syria – A significant area of agricultural land near the Syrian-Israeli border has been devastated by fire, sparking serious accusations against the Israeli military. Eyewitness reports and local sources claim that Israeli bulldozers were instrumental in the destruction, intentionally igniting the blaze that swept through the fertile fields. The incident,wich occurred in the vicinity of Quneitra,has raised concerns over escalating tensions and the intentional targeting of Palestinian livelihoods.

This event is not an isolated incident, highlighting a concerning pattern of destruction impacting Palestinian communities and their agricultural resources. The use of heavy machinery like bulldozers to raze land, often in areas disputed or occupied, has been a recurring tactic. Such actions not only devastate current crops and land but also have long-term consequences for agricultural sustainability and the economic well-being of affected populations.

The fires underscore the harsh realities faced by those living in close proximity to contested borders. The destruction of agricultural land represents more than just economic loss; it is an attack on the very foundation of many communities, threatening food security and heritage. The phrase “Peace with Israel, not without the earth” encapsulates the deep connection between the land and the people, and the profound impact that its destruction has on their identity and future. As the region navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, the protection of civilian infrastructure and agricultural lands remains a critical humanitarian concern, impacting not only the immediate but also future generations.

What past events have most significantly fueled resentment towards Israel in southern Syria?

Teh Historical Context of Syrian-Israeli relations in the South

For decades, the Golan Heights have been a focal point of tension between Syria and Israel. Captured by israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, the Golan remains a contested territory, legally Syrian but effectively under Israeli control. This occupation has profoundly shaped the political landscape of southern Syria and fueled resentment towards Israel. Understanding this history is crucial to grasping the current divisions. Key events include:

1967 Six-Day War: Israel’s capture of the Golan Heights.

1973 Yom Kippur War: A failed Syrian attempt to recapture the Golan.

1982 Lebanon War: Indirect clashes between Syrian and israeli forces in Lebanon.

Ongoing Israeli settlements: Expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan, considered illegal under international law.

These events have created a deep-seated animosity, but the syrian Civil War dramatically altered the dynamics.

The Impact of the Syrian Civil War on Southern Syria

The outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 created a power vacuum in southern Syria, especially in the governorates of Daraa, Quneitra, and Suwayda. Various factions emerged, including:

1. Syrian Government Forces: Backed by Russia and Iran, aiming to regain control of the entire country.
2. Rebel Groups: Initially fighting against the Assad regime, often fragmented and with varying ideologies. Some received support from the US, Turkey, and Gulf states.
3. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): A jihadist group with a notable presence in parts of southern Syria.
4. Local Armed Groups: Often aligned with specific tribes or communities, seeking local autonomy.
5. ISIS Affiliates: Though largely defeated, remnants of ISIS continue to operate in remote areas.

This fragmentation created opportunities for external actors, including Israel, to become more involved. Israel, concerned about the potential for Iran to establish a foothold near its border, has conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Iranian and Hezbollah forces in Syria.

The Emerging Divide: pro-Assad vs. Anti-Assad Sentiment

The Syrian Civil War exacerbated existing tensions and created a clear divide within southern Syrian communities.

Pro-Assad Factions: Generally support the restoration of government control and view Israel as a primary enemy. They often benefit from government patronage and security guarantees. These groups tend to be concentrated in areas loyal to the Assad regime.

Anti-Assad Factions: Comprise those who actively fought against the government or sympathize with the opposition. Their views on Israel are more complex. Some maintain a conventional anti-Israel stance, while others, facing a common enemy in the Assad regime and its allies, have explored tacit understandings or even cooperation with Israel. This is a sensitive topic, often shrouded in secrecy.

This division is not simply political; its also deeply rooted in social and economic factors. Communities that suffered disproportionately under Assad’s rule are more likely to be critical of the regime and potentially open to alternative alliances.

Israel’s Role and the Shifting Alliances

Israel has strategically engaged in southern Syria, primarily focused on preventing the establishment of a unfriendly Iranian presence along its border. This has involved:

Airstrikes: Targeting Iranian military infrastructure and Hezbollah convoys.

Support for Rebel Groups: Providing medical aid, supplies, and, in certain specific cases, limited military assistance to certain rebel factions. This support was often contingent on these groups remaining distant from the Syrian government and Iran.

Maintaining a Buffer Zone: Establishing a de facto buffer zone in the Golan Heights to prevent attacks from Syrian territory.

This intervention has inadvertently fueled the divisions within southern Syria. By supporting certain groups, Israel has effectively taken sides in the conflict, further alienating pro-Assad factions and complicating the political landscape. The “Good Neighbor” policy, offering humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians near the border, is often viewed with suspicion by those aligned with the regime.

The Druze Community: A Unique position

The Druze community, concentrated in the Suwayda governorate, occupies a unique position in this conflict. Historically marginalized under Assad’s rule, the Druze have largely remained neutral in the Syrian Civil war, maintaining their own local security forces and resisting both government and rebel control.

Maintaining Autonomy: The Druze have successfully defended their territory against attempts by both the Syrian government and extremist groups to impose their authority.

Complex Relationship with Israel: While officially maintaining a hostile stance towards Israel, there have been reports of informal contacts and even limited cooperation, primarily focused on humanitarian assistance. This relationship is highly sensitive and often denied by both sides.

Fear of External Interference: The Druze are wary of both the Syrian government’s attempts to reassert control and the potential for Israeli intervention in their affairs.

The Future of Southern syria and Israeli Relations

The situation in southern Syria remains volatile and unpredictable. The Syrian government, with Russian and Iranian support, is determined to regain full control of the region. However, the deep-seated divisions within Syrian society and the continued presence of external actors will likely prevent a swift and complete resolution.

Key factors to watch include:

the fate of the Golan Heights: Whether negotiations for the return of the Golan Heights will ever resume.

Iran’s presence in Syria: The extent to which Iran will be