US and Israel Clash Over Control of Syria's Suwayda Province

Suwayda province faces a political stalemate between its Druze majority and the Syrian government. US special envoy Tom Barrack addressed the local situation in recent statements. The focus remains on Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri and the National Guard, a local armed group accused of receiving Israeli support for separatist goals.

Barrack's remarks are interpreted as a direct message to Tel Aviv. Washington prioritizes the stability of Ahmed al-Sharaa's government in Damascus to allow for reconstruction after thirteen years of conflict. The American stance contrasts with Israeli actions, which include strikes on ministries and military incursions into Syrian territory.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the United States has sought to restore diplomatic ties with the new Syrian leadership. The Trump administration views any regional instability as a threat to national recovery. Meanwhile, Israel maintains its own security demands and continues to pressure strategic areas such as Quneitra.

The divergence between the two historic allies is evident on the diplomatic stage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a different view of the new Syrian government compared to the American administration. This geopolitical tension reflects conflicting strategic priorities in the Middle East following the regime change in Damascus.