Senior figures close to Syria's new leadership have told media outlets they fear Israel is pushing Syria toward confrontation in the south, in what they describe as an attempt to create an opening to seize additional territory and possibly establish Druze autonomy.
The Saudi magazine Al-Majalla quoted very senior regime officials who said the situation in southern Syria is "deteriorating rapidly" and that last week Israel and Syria stood on the brink of another clash, after Druze forces allegedly planned an attack on Syrian forces in Suwayda in coordination with Israel.
According to the official, the confrontation was averted at the last moment with American help, as U.S. envoys passed messages between the two sides.
The Syrian government's version of the plan: Druze forces would attack Druze villages held by regime forces, the regime would respond against the Druze, and Israel would then intervene and expand its control in the area, possibly as a prelude to declaring Druze autonomy.
The clash was prevented, according to the report, following a visit by U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barak. But Syrian officials issued a warning: "Syria still prefers the political solution that includes negotiations with the Israeli side, but its preference for a non-military solution does not mean it is not prepared for a long campaign with the Israeli side."
The Syrians added that "Israeli conduct in Syria does not indicate a desire for a political solution and a security agreement with Damascus."
