We are caught between fires... Who is pulling the strings in the shadows?

The tension escalated in the city of Jaramana in the countryside of Damascus after deadly clashes between the security forces affiliated with the new Syrian authority and other militants, resulting in the death of a security member and injuries to others, amid fears of further escalation in the region.

In a serious development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued direct orders to the army to prepare for military intervention in Jaramana, accusing the new Syrian authorities of launching an "attack" on the Druze in the area.

Katz stated in an official statement: "If the Syrian regime harms the Druze, we will strike it without hesitation," adding that Israel is committed to protecting the Druze in Syria as it protects the Druze internally.

According to local sources, clashes broke out on Friday evening when a security checkpoint stopped local armed individuals, leading to a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in the death of a security member and the injury of another. In response, the militants attacked the police station in Jaramana and temporarily took control of it.

The official news agency "SANA" quoted Major Hussam Attahan, the director of security in the countryside of Damascus, stating that the checkpoint stopped elements affiliated with the Ministry of Defense as they entered the area to visit their relatives, and after handing over their weapons, they were beaten and their car was shot at, resulting in the death of one and the injury of another.

Elders and sheikhs of Jaramana quickly moved to contain the situation, issuing a strongly-worded statement reaffirming their rejection of any attempts to stir up strife, and pledging to expose all lawbreakers and hand over those involved in the shooting to the authorities.

Rabei Monther, a member of the Civil Action Group in Jaramana, stated: "We are Syrian Arabs who are committed to our land and have not asked for protection from anyone. We will not allow ourselves to be used as a bargaining chip, and the Syrian administration will respond to Netanyahu at the appropriate time."

Despite the violent events, Jaramana is currently experiencing cautious calm, amid ongoing negotiations between the security forces and the elders to hand over the wanted individuals. Local sources also confirmed the inaccuracy of reports about armed convoys moving from As-Suwayda towards Jaramana.

In a related context, local sources confirmed that the sounds heard in the city were not clashes but rather celebrations welcoming the arrival of Sheikh Laith Al-Balous to Jaramana, where he was received by a number of residents and dignitaries.

Amid Israeli pressures, Syrian authority's efforts to assert its control, and internal tensions, Jaramana remains at a dangerous crossroads.

Will the storm calm down, or are things heading towards an uncontrollable escalation?