Overview

• Sectarian violence erupted on April 28 in Druze-populated areas, triggered by a fabricated audio recording, and resulted in over 126 deaths.
• Israeli airstrikes, including one near Damascus’s presidential palace, were justified as protecting the Druze but are widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to weaken Syria.
• Local Druze leaders and the interim government reached agreements to end hostilities, with plans to integrate some Druze fighters into state security forces.
• President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed indirect talks with Israel to contain further escalation, though mistrust between the two sides remains high.
• The Druze community remains politically fragmented, with skepticism toward both Israel's intentions and the new government's ability to ensure stability.