The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged it had not been prepared for a mass crossing of Druze civilians from Israel into southern Syria and is now bracing for several days of fighting between the new Syrian regime and Druze forces in the Sweida region, Israel Hayom has learned.
The Israeli military admitted it had not been properly prepared for the mass crossing, which will be subject to an internal review. For now, Israel has ruled out a ground operation in Syria and is focusing on airstrikes to defend the Druze.
Video: IDF forces attempt to push back Druze at the fence
Earlier, hundreds of Druze crossed the border into southern Syria on coordinated buses with police approval, even as IDF forces were mobilized to the Golan Heights in anticipation of possible escalation. The IDF is also investigating how the breach occurred, despite reinforcements.
The Syrian regime has deployed armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs, from Damascus to Sweida since Monday evening, in a show of force aimed at reasserting control over the area. Israel is monitoring developments closely to prevent potential threats to residents in the north. Estimates suggest around 200 regime soldiers have been killed so far, including 50 on Tuesday alone.
According to IDF field sources, Syrian army units have encircled Sweida and are reportedly operating with brutality. While these fighters are presented as former ISIS operatives or extremists, they are described as an organized and vicious force.
Video: Hundreds of Druze have crossed the border fence in Majdal Shams
The IDF has conducted around 160 air sorties and combat patrols along the border, and it struck targets near Damascus, likely as a signal to the regime. "We will escalate if needed," an IDF statement said.
Defense officials noted the challenge of distinguishing between Druze civilians and Syrian regime forces on the ground, as both are moving in armed convoys. The IDF estimates that while the regime's army is using artillery against Sweida, there are fewer armored vehicles involved.
Reserve troops from the 3rd Brigade have been called up and are actively searching for suspects. The IDF has shifted significant force northward, with Sweida and Damascus now designated key focal points. "Operations have been limited so far, but we will intensify them if necessary," officials said.
According to IDF sources, the Syrian regime claims to be restoring order, but its actions amount to a broad military offensive that risks destabilizing the region. The military is preparing for multiple days of combat, and alert notices have gone out to the 98th Division and the Paratroopers Brigade, which is expected to relocate north.
The situation has left Israeli forces caught between border defense and tracking Druze crossings. While there are allegations of harm to IDF troops, no evidence has been confirmed.
The IDF believes the Syrian military still has armored units at its disposal, but the key difficulty in launching strikes remains differentiating between regime forces and Druze civilians. Currently, 70–80% of Sweida appears to be under regime control, according to assessments. However, Israeli officials do not believe Syrian forces intend to fire on Israeli civilians.
