Israel Must Protect Syria's Christians & Druze
Last updated
Last updated
Israel has a unique position and responsibility to protect vulnerable populations, such as the Druze and Christians, who face persecution by extremist groups like Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants in regions such as Syria. These populations are actively celebrating the collapse of the regime:
Druze Connection: The Druze community in Israel, numbering over 140,000, has longstanding loyalty to the state and serves prominently in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Their ethnic and religious ties to Druze communities in Syria create a moral and strategic imperative for Israel to act when their brethren are under threat.
Christian Presence: While Christians are a minority in Israel, they enjoy freedom of worship and community protection, making Israel a refuge for those fleeing religious persecution in the Middle East.
Israel has demonstrated its ability to project power across its borders to combat terrorist threats and protect vulnerable populations. Examples include humanitarian aid through the "Good Neighbor" initiative for Syrian refugees and targeted strikes against terrorist infrastructure to prevent the spread of extremist influence.
By providing safe zones, humanitarian corridors, or even direct protection to Druze and Christian villages, Israel can reinforce its regional stability role and safeguard pluralism.
International humanitarian law recognizes the right and responsibility of nations to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity. With direct threats to Druze and Christian populations, Israel has both a moral obligation and legal justification to intervene.
Protecting these minorities aligns with Israel's foundational values of democracy and religious freedom, reinforcing its image as a haven for those persecuted.
Geopolitical Influence: Supporting persecuted minorities strengthens Israel's alliances with international Christian communities and diaspora groups, creating goodwill in global forums.
Security Buffer: Establishing protective measures for populations close to Israel’s borders serves as a deterrent against extremist expansion and enhances regional security.
Israel's track record of safeguarding diverse religious communities within its borders underscores its capacity and commitment to extending this protection beyond its frontiers, particularly when the threat of persecution looms large.