Syrian Druze pursue neutrality
The Druze are a religious minority in southern Syria, also in Israel and elsewhere. They have been wooed by the Assad government, which claims it is secular and not given to religious extremism, and by Israel. which wants a buffer state. The Druze are generally not heeding either call. However, Druze neutrality is a positive for Israel as it approximates the buffer state it wants.
Bombs have struck in the Sunni south and the Shia/Houthi north. Responsibility is unclear but AQAP and ISIL have conducted such attacks inter past. Each has an interest in undermining state control, north and south. This will lead to more lawlessness which both groups can use to gain control of.
Former Shin Bet chief warns of Jewish extremism
Carmi Gillon has criticized Israeli extremist groups that have been attacking Islamic and Christian sites in Israel. He said they must be dealt with harshly, just as with ISIL. Such groups threaten Israel’s security and democracy, and endanger Jews living abroad.