In a shocking escalation of regional tensions, a Hezbollah rocket attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams has left 12 children dead, sparking widespread outrage within Syria's Druze community. The incident, which targeted a town with deep familial and cultural ties to Syrian Druze, has further strained the already fragile relationship between the Druze minority and the Syrian regime.
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijiri, the spiritual leader of Syria's Druze population, responded with a carefully worded statement condemning the "despicable crime against innocent people in the peaceful and quiet village of Majdal Shams." While stopping short of naming Hezbollah directly, Sheikh al-Hijiri called for a United Nations investigation, noting that "it is clear to everyone who the perpetrators are."
The attack has triggered a surge of angry responses on social media platforms, with many Druze openly accusing Hezbollah and expressing their fury. Hassan al-Aridi, a resident of Suwayda, wrote on social media, "Hassan Nasrallah took his revenge on the Druze who supported the rebels and not Assad." Another Druze individual named Kholoud stated, "Nothing Hezbollah says will help; we know who is responsible for this crime."
This latest tragedy is part of a broader pattern of deteriorating relations between Syria's Druze community and the Assad regime. The Druze, who number over 600,000 in Syria, were once stalwart supporters of the Ba'ath party. However, their loyalty has been severely tested in recent years, particularly since a devastating ISIS attack in 2018 that resulted in the deaths of 258 Druze civilians and the kidnapping of 36 women.
The perceived failure of the Assad regime to protect the Druze during the 2018 attack has led to recurring protests in Suwayda, the capital of the predominantly Druze province. In a significant show of dissent this past May, demonstrators went so far as to raise opposition flags over government buildings in the city.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Druze community has maintained an uneasy relationship with Assad's army, which now controls most of southern Syria. The Druze have largely remained armed, creating a delicate balance of power in the region.
With the largest Druze population globally, Syria's minority group finds itself at a critical crossroads. And although the streets of Suwayda have seen protests before, this feels different - more personal, more volatile.
The Druze community's next move? That's the question everyone's asking.
* Israel Hayom contributed to this article.