The Druze of Syria—numbering under one million—have historically maintained a delicate balance between cooperation and quiet resistance to the Assad regime. Suwayda has been one of the few regions to avoid full-scale regime control during the civil war. However, recent economic protests and growing demands for autonomy have made it a flashpoint.

The intervention in Syria has sparked domestic unrest in Israel. Dozens of Israeli Druze crossed into Syria from the Golan Heights in protest, while others staged demonstrations in northern Israel. Police closed roads and worked to maintain public order during the protests, which included tire burnings and traffic blockades.

Israel carried out a series of powerful strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus Wednesday, escalating a campaign it says is in support of an Arab minority group involved in deadly clashes with Syrian government forces.