Syrian Druze Spiritual Leader: “We Are Part of Israel”

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze in southern Syria, said that in his view, members of his community are an inseparable part of the State of Israel. Israel Hayom reported Tuesday that the sheikh made the remarks during a conference held last night in the Druze stronghold of al-Suwayda in southern Syria.

“In terms of doctrine, we are partners with the State of Israel. Historically, we as Druze have been an inseparable part of the State of Israel. We want to preserve this idea and this state,” al-Hijri said, adding: “We hope the rest of the region will follow this humanitarian example.”

According to him, “We hope for peace on a regional level, but the first thing that concerns us is stability in the Bashan region, since it could be the first brick in building stability on a regional level. Once stability is achieved in the Bashan region, it will assume its full sovereign rights and its right to self-determination.”

As a reminder, since the massacres carried out against the Druze by forces loyal to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and by Bedouin militias, the Druze leader has publicly called for the establishment of a separate state or autonomy in the area and for separation from Syria’s central government.

Yesterday, Druze residents of al-Suwayda organized a convoy in support of Israel, flying numerous Israeli flags, in gratitude for Israel’s support, humanitarian aid, and protection. The Druze leader noted that he thanks Israel for placing the security of the Druze in al-Suwayda as a central issue on the negotiating table during talks on a security agreement between Israel and Syria.