The Syrian army has now announced a withdrawal from the violence-torn Sweida region, shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, “We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight.”

So, what really triggered these violent attacks in Syria? Why did Israel decide to strike its neighbor? Through the article we will navigate and breakdown the incidents and its reason. 

What triggered the new Syria-Israel violence?

According to the local reports, the violence began in Sweida when members of a Bedouin tribe set up a checkpoint and attacked a Druze man last weekend, sparking retaliatory attacks and kidnappings between the Bedouins and Druze armed groups.

For context, let's understand the Druze community. Druzes are a religious minority that emerged in the 10th century as a sect of Ismailism, a Shiite Muslim branch.They live in the hill region of Israel, Lebanon and Syria. 

When clashes erupted between Druze and Bedouin, the Syrian regime sent in security forces, but they were accused of siding with the Bedouins. According to the latest report, about 300 people have died in the clashes so far, with 27 reportedly “summarily executed.” Shocking visuals are floating on Social media, where several Druze people can be seen being executed. 

How did Israel get drawn into this?

On July 15, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel is “committed to preventing harm to the Druze due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria.”

Soon after, Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian military installations in Sweida. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel “will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria” and vowed to “not stand idly by.”

Analysts also speculate that the Israeli action was to create buffer zones near the Golan Heights—Syrian land occupied and annexed by Israel for nearly five decades. The idea of creating Greater Israel can also not be ruled out.  

Since longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad’s fall last December, Israel has reportedly launched hundreds of attacks inside Syria, saying they aim to stop arms from reaching the new government.

Is there a ceasefire in place? Will Israel honour it?

On Wednesday, amid the air raids, Syrian authorities and Druze leaders announced a renewed ceasefire. The Syrian army confirmed its withdrawal from Sweida after clearing out “outlaw groups,” as per the agreement.

The interior ministry declared a “total and immediate halt to all military operations,” and a joint committee of state officials and Druze leaders will monitor the truce.

Later, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted that all parties had “agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end,” adding, “This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do.” He did not reveal the deal’s details.

Israel, however, hasn’t officially responded to the ceasefire and reportedly continued strikes after its announcement.

In a national address, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said ensuring the safety and rights of Druze citizens remains “our priority.”

Indirectly calling out Israel, he said, “We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction.”

He concluded by stating that the Syrian people won’t shy away from war and will defend their dignity if challenged.