Druze leadership in Syria rejects reconciliation with Damascus and Israeli protection offers

SUWAYDA, Syria — In a series of unequivocal statements, leading figures of Syria’s Druze community have firmly dismissed any reconciliation with the current Syrian Transitional Government (STG) and have rejected offers of protection from Israel. These developments underscore the community’s determination to maintain autonomy amidst the nation’s ongoing turmoil.

No Accord with Damascus

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Syria, stated an absolute refusal to reconcile with the current authorities in Damascus. In a video that circulated widely, al-Hijri stated, “There is neither accord nor agreement with the authorities in Damascus,” labeling the STG as “extremist and wanted by international justice.” He emphasized the critical juncture facing the Druze, asserting that they are in a phase of “to be or not to be” and vowed to act in the community’s best interests.

Rejection of Israeli Protection

Concurrently, Sheikh Hammoud al-Hannawi, another prominent Druze leader in Suwayda, dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s offer to protect the Druze community. In a televised interview, al-Hannawi asserted that the Druze do not seek protection from anyone, expressing confidence in their ability to defend themselves. He stated, “We have not opened the door to Israel … and any talk of allowing Israeli intervention does not represent us.”

Sheikh al-Hannawi is one of the three main spiritual leaders (Sheikhs of Aql) of the Druze community in Suwayda. He is known for his moderate stance, advocating for Druze autonomy and non-alignment with foreign powers.

As a Sheikh of Aql, al-Hannawi plays a crucial role in religious, social, and political affairs. He represents a faction within the Druze leadership that seeks neutrality in the Syrian conflict, avoiding alignment with either the Syrian government or external powers like Israel.

Al-Hannawi’s leadership has been crucial during recent protests in Suwayda, where many Druze have called for greater autonomy and improved governance. His stance aligns with the broader sentiment in the region, which seeks to distance itself from both Damascus and external interventions.

Israel’s History of Druze Engagement

Israel has long maintained complex relations with Druze communities across the region. Within Israel itself, the Druze have a unique status, with many serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), unlike other Arab citizens. However, Israel’s engagement with Druze communities in Syria and Lebanon has been fraught with political sensitivities.

From 1982–2000, during Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon, it sought alliances with Lebanese Druze leaders, particularly Walid Jumblatt. However, Jumblatt later distanced himself from Israel as Lebanese politics shifted.

In 2015, during the height of the Syrian Civil War, Israel expressed concerns over the fate of Druze in Suwayda and the Golan Heights, fearing that extremist groups could target them. Netanyahu at the time signaled that Israel was willing to intervene if the Druze faced mass violence.

Recent Developments

In response to renewed instability in Syria, Netanyahu has reportedly explored ways to provide military or humanitarian aid to Druze communities. However, many Druze leaders, wary of political repercussions, have refused Israeli assistance.

The firm stances taken by Druze leaders against both reconciliation with the STG and external protection offers reflect a steadfast commitment to self-determination.