DONATE

Israel Strikes Syria IDF Defends Druze 200+ Dead | ILTV

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Israel Strikes Syria IDF Defends Druze 200+ Dead | Avi Melamed’s interview by Maayan Hoffman, executive editor of ILTV News.


Key Highlights (with Timestamps)

  • Escalation on Israel’s Northern Front (00:01–00:26)
    ILTV reports rising tensions and violent clashes on Israel’s border with Syria, particularly around the Druze minority in Sueda. The Trump administration is urging de-escalation.
  • US Diplomatic Efforts (00:26–01:38)
    The US, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is attempting to broker peace and normalization between Israel, Syria, and regional Arab states. Rubio describes the situation as a “misunderstanding” between governments and expresses hope for de-escalation soon.
  • Ceasefire and Heavy Casualties (02:03–02:30)
    A ceasefire was declared following severe violence that left over 200 dead, primarily after Syrian government forces and allied Islamists entered Sueda (a Druze city). Reports mention atrocities against Druze religious leaders and civilians.
  • Israel’s Response: Airstrikes and Public Messaging (02:58–03:47)
    Israel’s Defense Minister orders strikes on military targets near Sueda and Damascus to defend the Druze, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to protecting Druze “brothers” in Syria and the Golan Heights.
  • Solidarity and Cross-Border Movement (04:10–04:32)
    Israeli Druze rush the border to support family in Syria; some families reunite for the first time in decades as chaos unfolds along the border.
  • Expert Analysis: Avi Melamed’s Perspective (05:18–07:06)
    Avi Melamed explains that Israeli policy aims to both deter threats from Al Jolani’s forces (viewed as hostile) and support the Druze due to communal ties and concerns that Israeli Druze soldiers might intervene independently.
  • Shift in Israeli Security Doctrine After October 7 (07:06–07:35)
    Post–October 7, Israel’s approach shifts from containment to eliminating emerging threats, including those posed by actors like Al Jolani and his backers.
  • Regional Implications and Turkey’s Role (07:58–08:25)
    Turkey is noted as a significant supporter of Syrian rebels post-Hezbollah defeat. The situation in Sueda is also seen as a message to Turkey and the broader region.
  • Internal Druze Dynamics (08:25–08:45)
    The Druze community in Syria is not unified; there are divisions between those supporting the regime and those opposing it.
  • IDF Airstrikes: Strategic Messaging (09:39–11:16)
    The scale of Israeli strikes (e.g., Damascus HQ) is seen as disproportionate but intentional—a signal that Israel views the Syrian government as illegitimate and aligned with hostile actors (e.g., Al Qaeda, ISIS), not a pragmatic partner.


Israel Strikes Syria IDF Defends Druze 200+ Dead | Avi Melamed’s interview by Maayan Hoffman, executive editor of ILTV News.

If you want to have a better understanding of the news and what really drives the unfolding events… Read the latest book of Avi Melamed,
INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | ENTERING A NEW ERA, available now >>>

Follow me on Twitter @AviMelamed; Facebook @InsideTheMiddleEast; for more Videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AviMelamed

I can always be reached at Av*@********ed.com

Avi Melamed
Avi Melamedhttps://insidethemiddle-east.com
Avi Melamed is an expert on current affairs in the Arab & Muslim World and their impact on Israel & the Middle East. A former Israeli Intelligence Official & Senior Official on Arab Affairs, Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, he has held high-risk Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorist intelligence positions in Arab cities & communities - often in very sensitive times - on behalf of Israeli Government agencies. He is the Founder & CEO of Inside the Middle East | Intelligence Perspectives - an apolitical non-partisan curriculum using intelligence methodology to examine the Middle East. As an Author, Educator, Expert, and Strategic Intelligence Analyst, Avi provides Intelligence Analysis, Briefings, and Geopolitical Tours to diplomats, Israeli and foreign policymakers, global media outlets, and a wide variety of international businesses, organizations, and private clients on a range of Israel and Middle East Affairs.

JOIN THE HUB Newsletter

BUY THE BOOK

New book by Avi Melamed, acclaimed intelligence & geopolitical analyst - Inside the middle east | Entering a new era | published in 2022

MORE FROM ITME

Behind Turkey’s Abrupt Halting of Trade With Israel, Some Political Soft-Shoe Seems To Be Afoot | NEW YORK SUN

Behind Turkey’s Abrupt Halting of Trade With Israel, Some Political Soft-Shoe Seems To Be Afoot | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted in this article by...

Israel’s ‘slow’ and ‘bloody’ attack on Rafah aims to force Hamas to accept truce terms | I PAPER NEWS

Israel’s ‘slow’ and ‘bloody’ attack on Rafah aims to force Hamas to accept truce terms | Avi Melamed's insights quoted in this article by...

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire cause for celebration, but situation ‘highly fragile’: Experts | ALARABIYA

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire cause for celebration, but situation ‘highly fragile’: Experts | Avi Melamed analysis is quoted by Jennifer Bell in an article in AL...

US soldiers arrive in Israel to help thwart Iran missile attacks | USA TODAY

US soldiers arrive in Israel to help thwart Iran missile attacks | Avi Melamed's insights quoted in this article by John Bacon, Originally published...
00:07:01

La Guerre Larvée s’intensifie sur le Front Nord avec le Hezbollah | I24 NEWS

La Guerre Larvée s'intensifie sur le Front Nord avec le Hezbollah | Avi Melamed sur I24 News - 19.10.2023" in courtesy of i24NEWS hamasattack #israel...