Tel Aviv, Israel — In an extraordinary move by Israeli authorities, they have allowed limited entry of Syrian security forces into Sweida province in southern Syria for 48 hours under humanitarian arrangement and regional stabilization efforts.
Israeli defense officials officially announced on Thursday the decision, amid growing unrest in Sweida and concerns of lawlessness and presence of armed militant groups in the area largely inhabited by Druze minorities. Tribal clashes, criminal activity and anti-government protests have increased significantly over recent months in this region dominated by Druze population.
Israeli sources reported that the temporary corridor had been organized through international mediators with oversight from UN peacekeeping elements near the Israeli-Syrian border. Movement of Syrian forces will be strictly limited within Sweida countryside and monitored closely.
“Israel remains vigilant against any attempt by Iranian proxies or Hezbollah members to exploit this opening,” an Israeli military spokesperson stated.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials emphasized that no Syrian military equipment or heavy weaponry will be permitted near demilitarized zones and all movements would be monitored using surveillance drones and intelligence assets. This arrangement has been described as nonprecedential and does not represent a change in Israeli policy toward the Assad government.
Syrian state media confirmed the deployment of security personnel to Sweida to “restore order and protect vital infrastructure”, without making reference to Israeli involvement or coordination. Damascus officials described this move as part of an overall response plan against attacks against local government buildings and supply lines within Sweida Province.
Analysts speculate that Israel’s tacit approval indicates a pragmatic shift in their approach to southern Syria, where lack of state control has fostered instability and created power vacuums exploited by drug traffickers, jihadist groups and militias.
“Israel’s primary concerns include spillover violence and the increasing threat posed by Iran-backed elements moving into southern Syria,” stated Colonel (Ret.) Amos Gilad, a former senior Israeli defense official. Permitting temporary Syrian security presence under strict conditions would be preferable to an ungoverned border.
Residents in Sweida have expressed mixed reactions to this news. Some local leaders welcome any effort to restore calm while others fear renewed repression from Damascus. Druze communities have often had tenuous relationships with central authorities, often refusing conscription and demanding greater autonomy from central authority.
An anonymous activist noted: “People want safety but also dignity; any attempt at control could turn against us.”
Israeli officials warned that any breach of agreement would immediately result in suspension and possible retaliation measures.
As the situation in Sweida remains fluid, regional and international actors alike are closely following how this limited cooperation develops and whether it may serve as an indicator or warning of how future cross-border arrangements might unfold.