Reports: Rapid integration of young Druze from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights into the Israeli army

The Druze community in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is witnessing a clear shift in its attitude toward military service in the Israeli army, according to Israeli media reports, which described the phenomenon as the most widespread since Israel took control of the region nearly sixty years ago, after the six days war 1967.

Reports indicate that the number of young men newly joining the regular and reserve forces has increased to an unprecedented level in recent months, reaching approximately 150 volunteers from the Golan Heights, compared to an extremely limited number before the outbreak of the recent war.

Israeli circles believe this trend reflects a shift in the general mood within the local Druze community and its outlook on the relationship with the Israeli state.

Israeli sources linked this shift to the unrest and violence witnessed in the southern Syrian province of Swaida this year.

These events prompted many residents of the Golan Heights to rethink their concepts of identity, belonging, and personal security.

Reports indicated that a number of young Druze men have joined combat and medical units in the Israeli army, a move considered the first of its kind in decades.

Enlistment in military service has also become more public than previously, after recruits previously concealed their participation for fear of social rejection.

In fact, the practices and actions of the new Damascus regime forced the Druze in the Syrian Golan Heights, who for decades had opposed any integration into Israel, to find themselves, following the events in Swaida, turning to Israel as a means of protecting and defending their existence.

Observers believe this openness reflects a cultural and social shift among the new generation in the Golan Heights.

In addition to the military approach, Israeli authorities have observed a significant increase in citizenship applications from members of the Druze community in the Golan Heights.

Data indicate that the number of applications has exceeded 1,000 since the beginning of 2025, compared to limited numbers in previous years.

Official estimates predict that half of the Druze population of the Golan Heights may obtain full Israeli citizenship within the next year, marking a further step toward gradual integration into state institutions.

This shift isn’t limited to legal and security aspects alone, but also extends to the social and intellectual structure of the local Druze community.

A growing number of young Syrian Druze now see integration into Israeli society as a practical option that provides stability and security, given the waning influence of the nationalist discourse associated with Syria among the younger generations.

Analysts in Israel consider these shifts to be a direct result of the Syrian war and its ongoing repercussions.

Last July, the Druze-majority province of Swaida witnessed violent clashes after forces affiliated with the Syrian transitional government stormed several areas within the city, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries and the displacement of thousands of civilians.

These events caused widespread shock within the Druze community in Syria and beyond, and contributed to deepening the sense of insecurity among the Druze of the Golan Heights, which appears to have reshaped their priorities and political and social identity.