Israel Establishes Nine New Posts in Syria, Faces Druze Protests and Tensions With Turkey

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024, Israel has increased its military activity in Syria, including the establishment of nine new military posts, airstrikes on Syrian infrastructure, and the creation of buffer zones near the Israeli-Syrian border. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that the IDF will remain in Syria 'indefinitely.' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a 30-mile demilitarized zone extending nearly to Damascus. The new Syrian government, led by Ahmed al-Shara, has expressed willingness to maintain peaceful relations with Israel and pledged to protect minorities. However, Israel's expanded operations have been met with suspicion and protests from Druze leaders, including demonstrations in Suwayda in March, where Druze women called Israel an 'occupier' and accused it of exploiting sectarian violence. Israeli strikes have also targeted areas near Damascus. Turkey has simultaneously increased its influence in northern Syria, raising concerns in Israel about potential Turkish military entrenchment. Analysts warn that Israel must avoid turning Turkey into an adversary, especially as both countries are U.S. allies. There is debate among observers about whether Israeli-Turkish dynamics in Syria reflect competition, cooperation, or a managed division of influence. Talks between Israel and Turkey have been mediated by Azerbaijan. Israeli leaders have been accused of undermining Turkey's efforts to support the new Syrian government by targeting air bases and infrastructure sought by Ankara. Both countries are acting amid a power vacuum left by the Assad regime's collapse and the withdrawal of Iranian influence. There are concerns in Israel about the impact of a potential U.S. withdrawal from Syria, which could further increase Turkey's influence. The Druze community, concentrated in areas such as Suwayda and the Golan Heights, has become a focal point in the regional contest. While Israel claims to protect the Druze, many within the community reject Israeli overtures, viewing them as attempts to fragment Syrian society. Protests by Druze women in Suwayda have highlighted resistance to both sectarian violence and external intervention. Policy recommendations from regional analysts suggest that Israel should clarify that its military presence in Syria is temporary, work to ease Syria's humanitarian crisis, and seek diplomatic engagement with both the new Syrian government and Turkey to avoid escalation. The risk of direct confrontation between Israel and Turkey remains a concern, but some experts believe both are currently operating within boundaries set by the United States.