The Israeli Defense Forces began occupying the Druze-inhabited villages in the Hermon Mountains of Syria on local time July 17, 2025, following the villagers' collective wish to join Israeli nationality. In the Hermon Mountains of Syria, local Druze militias welcomed the arrival of Israeli military convoys. Druze armed personnel saluted the Israeli army and expressed their loyalty to the State of Israel. The Druze are one of the sources of manpower for the Israeli Defense Forces, and there are many Druze citizens within Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, in his latest speech, stated that he had controlled the situation through strength and achieved peace in southern Syria. He has warned Joulani that the southern part of Damascus must be demilitarized, becoming an actual buffer zone of Israel. Currently, southern Syria is a buffer zone, and in the future, it will be Jewish settlements. The Druze are somewhat special; this ethnic group has always been an important source of manpower for the Israeli Defense Forces. During the reign of former Syrian President Bashar, the Druze in the Golan Heights occupied by Israel never recognized themselves as Israelis but instead identified as Syrians. However, after the HTS armed forces seized power in Syria, the Druze have fully shifted their allegiance to Israel. For Israel, previously, even when attacking Iran, they had to fabricate an excuse about attempting to obtain nuclear weapons, and when attacking Lebanon, they had to make up reasons about threats to themselves. When attacking Syria, Israel didn't even bother to come up with an excuse. Now, Israel is reaping the benefits and annexing Syria, which would significantly increase its territory, making it a major power in the Middle East. From the current situation, it seems that the expansion of Israel's territory is a foregone conclusion.
Regarding the current chaos and war in Syria, former Syrian President Bashar has not made any statements at all, remaining completely silent. It seems that Bashar is really tired and disillusioned with Syria. Since coming to Moscow, Russia, Bashar has never publicly appeared or made statements again. Originally, the position of the Syrian president should have belonged to his brother, and Bashar has always wanted to be an ophthalmologist. He became president only because he was forced into it. He did not really want to do it; if his brother hadn't died, he would have never taken on this responsibility. For Bashar, the situation in Syria is no longer meaningful; the repeated games among regional powers have exceeded his capacity. Let the various factions fight among themselves. Bashar understands the situation clearly, and choosing to live quietly and secretly is a way of life. After all, Syria can export oil and grain, which are now in the hands of the Kurdish forces, making it a mess.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837927894630412/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.