Behind Israel’s support for the Druze lies goal to weaken Syria

Israel’s stated commitment to defending the Syrian Druze is, by the admission of some of its leaders, consistent with a long-term strategic goal — the weakening of Syria.

Israel, which has occupied part of Syrian territory since 1967, claimed to be protecting the Druze minority to justify several strikes following recent, bloody inter-communal clashes in Syria.

In the aftermath of one strike near the Presidential Palace in Damascus on May 3, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the…