The Sweida Crisis: U.S. Calls for Dialogue as Israeli Druze Prepare for Battle
U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barak, warned that Syria is undergoing a “critical and dangerous” phase, emphasizing that “peace and dialogue” remain the only way to rescue the country from division and destruction.
His remarks came in the context of the bloody developments in the Sweida province, where recent clashes have left hundreds dead and injured over the past week.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Barak said President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria represented “a bold preliminary step” aimed at giving the Syrian people “a historic opportunity to overcome years of suffering and atrocities.” He added that “the international community watched this move with cautious optimism, hoping Syria would transition from a period of pain to a new era of stability.”
However, Barak warned that this hope remains “fragile,” stating: “The brutal acts carried out by warring factions on the ground undermine the Syrian government’s authority and destroy any semblance of order or law.” He urged all armed parties to “lay down their arms immediately, end the cycle of revenge, and launch a comprehensive national dialogue.”
“Time for Unity”
The U.S. Embassy in Syria announced that Barak met with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi to discuss “steps toward full integration into a unified Syria.” Barak stressed that “now is the time for unity,” and that the current stage demands “bold decisions to restore stability and prevent partition attempts.”
He stated: “We don’t want an Alawite or Druze state, nor a separate entity for the SDF. The United States supports a united Syria with a new constitution that guarantees a parliament representing all Syrians based on competence and citizenship—not sectarian or ethnic identity.”
“A Chance for Syria”
Barak added that President Trump’s vision for Syria centers on “rapid state reconstruction and unified efforts for rebuilding.” He emphasized, “Lifting sanctions on Damascus is not a political concession—it is a message of hope for the Syrian people.”
He affirmed that “the only viable path for the SDF and all local forces is to reach an understanding with the Syrian government and engage in the political process under a unified national framework.”
The March Agreement
Barak’s remarks come after the agreement signed on March 10 between the Syrian government and the SDF. The agreement included:
- Guaranteeing political representation and equal citizenship for all Syrians;
- A nationwide ceasefire across all Syrian territories;
- Integration of civil and military institutions in the northeast into the state, including border crossings and oil and gas fields;
- The return of displaced Syrians under state protection;
- Combating remnants of the former regime and rejecting sectarianism or separatist rhetoric.
Call to End the Cycle of Violence
Barak concluded, “Syria stands at a critical crossroads. If the chaos and sectarian fighting do not end, the country will face an existential threat. Now is the time to stop the bloodshed and begin a realistic political process that ensures a secure future for all Syrians.”
Israeli Druze Ready to Join the Fight
In a troubling development, nearly 2,000 Druze citizens of Israel signed a declaration expressing their willingness to fight alongside their fellow Druze in Sweida if the attacks by Bedouin tribal fighters and pro-government forces continue.
The move—reported by Israeli public broadcaster Kan—is unprecedented in terms of Druze public engagement in the Syrian conflict and has raised serious concern within Israel’s security establishment, especially since some signatories are active-duty reservists in the Israeli army.
The document states, according to Kan: “We are ready to volunteer to defend our brothers in Sweida. The time has come to protect our people, our land, and our faith.”
Israel’s security services have since launched urgent efforts to calm tensions and convince Druze leaders in Israel to prevent escalation. According to Hebrew sources, security agencies are working overtime to stabilize the situation and prevent any cross-border movement of volunteers.
Lebanese Druze Leader Rejects “Israeli Involvement”
Meanwhile, the Druze spiritual leader in Lebanon, Sheikh Sami Abil-Mona, condemned what he described as “violations” committed in Sweida, firmly rejecting any form of foreign interference—including by Israel.
His statement carried a dual message: first, support for the demands of Sweida’s Druze for protection and dignity; and second, an affirmation of the community’s independence from foreign agendas—especially those of Israel, which seeks to exploit the conflict to extend its political and military reach in southern Syria.
Sweida Partially Calms Down
These developments come as Sweida has witnessed unprecedented tension in recent days, marked by fierce clashes between Bedouin tribal groups and local Druze fighters.
Despite multiple ceasefire announcements, fighting resumed repeatedly before Syrian sources recently reported that security forces succeeded in pushing back armed groups and restoring relative calm.
In an official statement, the Syrian Ministry of Interior said that its forces had “re-established the rule of law” by pursuing armed groups who had infiltrated the province and confirmed they now had full control over the conflict zone.
The developments in Sweida intertwine with political and security unrest inside Israel, as the Israeli army closely monitors the Syrian border, wary of any escalation that could shift the rules of engagement in the Golan Heights.
