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AVI ANALYSIS [ITME HUB]Avi Melamed on TV

Israel Strikes Syria IDF Defends Druze 200+ Dead | ILTV

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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.

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INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | ENTERING A NEW ERA, available now >>>

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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.

Coleman B. Levy

Excellent explanation of the power struggle od Iran and Turkey and their respective methods to try and achieve their goals. A must read.

Susan

Avi’s book is a must read for everyone! He brings the Middle East, it’s history, countries, people and conflicts into very understandable focus. The region grapples with diverse players with varied agendas, and this book provides a roadmap to understanding and a look into possible futures for this important region.

William R. Hinson

I have long sought a book to explain what I thought was the source of most conflict in the Middle East: the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I obtained Inside the Middle East Entering A New Era and thought I would find the explanation I was looking for. This book gave me so much more than I expected! Mr. Melamed is not only a skilled writer, but an excellent educator! There are so many layers to the power struggles and conflicts in the Middle East that a casual observer can’t fathom. Mr. Melamed presents an overall picture of a complicated area and then peels back the layers that hide the true motivations of the players in this region. He uses concise historical thumbnails of Middle Eastern countries that give the reader an understanding of how and why they are where they are today without losing the reader in a sea of confusing detail. The index in the back of the book with an alphabetical listing of key individuals, organizations and concepts is incredibly helpful as a reference point as one is reading the book. I give Mr. Melamed great credit for his intimate understanding of the Middle East and his ability to convey his knowledge in an understandable form to his readers.

Yaron Ben

If you're going to read ONE book about the Middle East, you MUST READ Inside The Middle East | Entering A New Era! The author does an incredible job of synthesizing events into one cohesive picture. The title does not disappoint. This book truly does take you inside the Middle East. The array of Arab voices the author cites and highlights bring information to the reader that is not covered in the Western media. Plus, the incredible number of maps really helped me follow the story in a very understandable way. This book offers a distinct and unique perspective on a broad array of Middle East issues - from Iran to Turkey; from Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria to Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia; from the Abraham Accords to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; from the realignments of interests to the changing balance of power in the region. Each chapter in itself and the entire book as a whole is gripping and eye-opening. It is clearly written by someone who has a rare understanding of the region. Avi Melamed is a voice that must be heard in the West! He has written the most comprehensive, understandable, and reader-friendly book on the Middle East that I have ever encountered. A MUST read for anyone who wants to really understand the region!

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