Former Israeli official: Israel seeks to ignite a civil war in Syria

Brigadier General (Res.) Hasson Hasson, a former Israeli military official and member of the Israeli Defense and Security Forum, revealed that Israel is seeking to destabilize Syria by igniting a civil war through supporting and arming armed groups from the Druze community.

Hasson, who served as military secretary to Presidents Shimon Peres and Reuven Rivlin, explained in statements to Israeli Army Radio that “We’re supplying some Druze militants in Syria with weapons, and we do not hide this”.

He added that Israel needs to build a Druze army in Syria, as morale is high and the will is strong.

Hasson is known for his role as a military and security advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in addition to his service in several special military units, including intelligence.

In a related development, the Israeli army announced its presence in southern Syria, stating its deployment there to maintain security in Druze villages and prevent the entry of hostile forces.

The Israeli army affirmed its readiness to keep pace with developments and remain alert for various eventualities.

Claiming to support Druze rights in Syria, Israel recently launched airstrikes targeting areas in Damascus, including the Ashrafieh Sahnaya neighborhood and the presidential palace, as well as the As Sweida governorate, killing civilians.

Concurrently, Druze sheikhs and dignitaries from As Sweida province issued a statement affirming their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory and their categorical rejection of any attempts to divide Syria or secede any part of it.

They also called for strengthening the role of the Ministry of Interior and local security forces from the province, as well as securing the Sweida-Damascus road.

This comes at a sensitive time, as Syrian authorities have warned against Israeli attempts to interfere in Syrian affairs under the pretext of preserving the rights of the Druze community.

The Syrian government also emphasized that all components of the Syrian people enjoy the same rights and duties.

Since Israel occupied most of the Syrian Golan Heights in 1967, Israel has continued to exploit the deteriorating situation in Syria, particularly after the fall of the Syrian regime.

Israel seized control of the buffer zone and effectively declared the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Despite the absence of any direct threats from the Syrian government against Israel, the occupying forces continue to carry out airstrikes on Syrian territory, resulting in the deaths of civilians and the destruction of military sites and Syrian army vehicles.