While mostly behind closed doors, a brewing potential crisis has grown in intensity in recent weeks centered around concern that Israel may be preparing a major escalation in Syria. With Israel’s high-stakes election approaching, most eyes have paid attention to an unprecedented and unprovoked surge in IDF military operations in southwestern Syria that began in August. But the most acute worry has been around mounting evidence that Israel and its Druze militia allies in Suwayda are maneuvering for a lightening ground offensive into government-held territory. This has triggered a flurry of regional diplomacy, and Syria Weekly has been told, American back-channel efforts to restore calm.
