Suwayda Standoff: US Envoy Aligns With Damascus Against Israeli Proxy

One particular Druze sheikh is at the center of a new diplomatic rift between Washington and Israel regarding control of Syria’s southern governorate. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack identified the figure, widely believed to be Hikmat al-Hijri, as a key variable in the ongoing instability of Suwayda. His remarks, made during a recent interview, signal that the United States favors direct control by the Syrian government in Damascus over the local armed factions aligned with the sheikh.

The situation in Suwayda has deteriorated since the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024. Residents in the majority Druze province protested against the old regime and maintained their demonstrations until the government fell. However, trust in the new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa fractured in July 2025. Deadly sectarian killings between Druze and Bedouin tribes erupted, with forces linked to the government reportedly joining the Bedouins. Casualties were overwhelmingly Druze, leading to deep local resentment.

Israel intervened in the July 2025 fighting by attacking Syrian government forces entering the governorate. Since then, the Israeli military has maintained a presence in southern Syria, including seized land in Quneitra governorate. Analysts say Israel has attempted to build rapport with local Druze leaders, particularly al-Hijri, who opposes Damascus. This strategy has drawn criticism from Syrian officials who view the Israeli incursions as a form of harassment and a challenge to their sovereignty.

Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkiye, spoke to Australian personality Mario Nawfal on Friday. He stated that Washington prioritizes an agreement with Damascus. His comments were interpreted by observers as a direct message to Israel, indicating that US support for the Syrian government does not equate to backing al-Hijri’s National Guard. Navvar Saban, a researcher at the Arab Center for Contemporary Syrian Studies, noted that the message was clear: Israel’s security demands are distinct from American diplomatic goals.

The US and Syrian governments have been rebuilding relations since late 2024. President Donald Trump maintains a strong relationship with al-Sharaa and views stability as essential for Syria’s recovery after 13 years of war. This approach contrasts with the stance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has historically supported US military actions in the region but holds a different view of the new Syrian administration.

A trilateral agreement was signed in Amman, Jordan, in September 2025. The deal, brokered with US involvement, requires Syria to invite an independent international commission to investigate the July 2025 violence. The commission is tasked with identifying perpetrators to ensure accountability. While major fighting has paused, the province remains in a state of deadlock. Residents report feeling the pressure of government reassertion through salary adjustments and administrative changes.

Analysts warn that trust in Suwayda has hardened due to these pressures. Nanar Hawach, a Syrian analyst who visited the area in September, stated that Israel uses Suwayda as a lever against Damascus. He explained that Israel provides enough support to keep the province reliant on its protection but too little to secure its future. This dynamic keeps the region framed in security terms, complicating efforts to integrate the province back into the central state.

Barrack’s diplomatic approach has been noted for its directness. Last year, he described some media members in Lebanon as animalistic, a remark that underscored his willingness to bypass traditional diplomatic caution. As the US pushes for a resolution, the focus remains on the balance of power between Damascus, the Druze community, and the Israeli military presence in the south.