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Israel has stopped providing monthly stipends to hundreds of Druze fighters in As-Suwayda governorate, leaving them without crucial financial support for over three months, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. The Druze community has been a key pro-regime force in the region, particularly during the July 2025 clashes.
Under the previous arrangement, Israel had been providing a $100 monthly stipend to roughly 3,000 fighters in Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri’s National Guard in As-Suwayda. The move has put the local fighters in a precarious financial situation, with many struggling to make ends meet. This halt in payments is likely to exacerbate existing tensions between the Druze community and the Syrian government.
Aside from the stipends, Israel had also provided material aid and medical support to hospitals in National Guard-controlled areas. However, those essential services have also been cut off in recent months. The implications for local healthcare facilities could be severe, particularly in a conflict-ridden area with limited access to basic medical services.
Prior to this, Israel had been providing critical military aid to the Druze fighters in As-Suwayda, including weapons, ammunition, body armor, and airstrikes. This support was aimed at protecting the Druze during the July 2025 clashes, where the region experienced some of the most intense fighting.
The cessation of Israeli aid has significant strategic implications for Israel, particularly its role in the region. The country’s support for various proxy forces has been a cornerstone of its security policy for many years. However, as tensions between Israel and various parties in the region continue to escalate, its role in As-Suwayda and other areas is likely to become increasingly complicated.
The halt in payments is likely a deliberate move, reflecting Israel’s efforts to reassess its priorities and adjust its regional strategy. Given the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, such a move is not surprising, particularly in light of rising tensions between Israel and the Syrian government.
The fate of those affected by the halted stipends remains uncertain. With their livelihoods now heavily reliant on Israeli aid, it remains to be seen whether the Syrian government will step in to fill the void or if alternative support will be found.
Israel’s aid cut is expected to have far-reaching consequences in the region, particularly in the short term. The move reflects the ongoing instability and power dynamics in the Middle East. As countries adjust their regional strategies, those caught in the crossfire often bear the brunt of the costs.