Explainer-Who are the Druze and why does Israel say it is hitting Syria for their sake?

(Reuters) -Violence in Syria pitting the Islamist-led government against members of the Druze community has put a spotlight on the small but influential minority. Straddling Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the Druze occupy a special niche in the region’s complex politics.

Israel has cited protecting the Druze as a reason for attacking forces from the Islamist-led government this week.

WHO ARE THE DRUZE?

The Druze are Arabs who follow a religion derived…