In this context, Omar Aqleh, a notable figure from southern Syria, categorically denied these reports in a special statement to Sputnik. He confirmed that there are no new indications of any intention to infiltrate villages and towns in Daraa or to take control of them by land. Aqleh explained that the propagators of these news relied on the recent military reinforcements sent by the Israeli army to the occupied Golan Heights, coinciding with the tensions in the Sweida governorate. He pointed out that these movements were made in anticipation of any developments that might lead to military actions extending towards the Golan.
In a related context, the political analyst and former Syrian parliamentarian, Walid Darwish, stated in an exclusive interview with Sputnik that the Israeli incursions and repeated attacks on Syrian sovereignty are a prelude to a large-scale ground incursion in the near future. Darwish explained that Israel seeks to exploit security and political justifications for a ground incursion, noting that these justifications are ready for Israeli decision-makers, especially concerning positioning in the Quneitra and Daraa areas, and complete control of the “Triangle of Death” connecting Daraa, Sweida, and Quneitra.
Darwish concluded by saying that the Israeli ground incursion is inevitable, but Tel Aviv is currently seeking to empty political agreements of their substance before any field advancement, suggesting that the Soummariya area in Damascus might be one of the main targets for this future incursion.
The spokesperson for the Israeli army, Colonel Nadav Shoshani, published photos last Thursday, which he claimed were of another spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, during his visit to what he called “Druze communities” in Syria. Shoshani attached his post with a set of photos showing Adraee meeting several individuals dressed in Druze clerical attire at various locations. Shoshani stated, “This is how my friend Avichay Adraee is welcomed in the Druze communities inside Syria.”
Social media users circulated photos claiming they were from a tour conducted by Adraee in the Druze villages located between Mount Hermon and the Damascus countryside, to inspect “civilian” projects implemented by the Israeli army dedicated to assisting the Druze. This comes amid Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s demand to establish a Syrian buffer zone, under the pretext of allowing the entry of aid to the Druze and preparing militarily to defend them.
Smotrich wrote on his “X” platform account that the situation in Sweida is very difficult, considering that the current ceasefire is nothing but deceptive calm to besiege the Druze. The situation between Damascus and Tel Aviv escalated following the latter’s bombing of Syrian army sites, against the backdrop of the crisis in the city of Sweida, and attacks by tribes and Bedouins on the city. Serious violations were observed during the battles, after which the leader and Sheikh of the Druze monotheists in Sweida, Hikmat al-Hijri, called for international intervention to protect his community from the “crimes it faced.” Subsequently, Damascus and Tel Aviv agreed to a truce mediated by the US and Arab parties.
