The article discusses the Syrian Druze community’s aspirations for autonomy amid Israeli efforts to influence them. Israeli leadership seeks a loyal ally in the Druze to secure their strategic interests. The community has a historical context of resistance but now confronts pressures from various factions, necessitating a united approach to preserve their identity and autonomy.
The statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding southern Syria indicate a strategic objective to cultivate a faithful ally among the Syrian Druze community. This intention aims to ensure that the Palestinian Druze, who are integral to the Israeli border security forces, remain aligned with Israeli interests.
Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, a prominent Druze spiritual leader, has increasingly aligned himself with Israeli policies, establishing connections with various Arab nations, particularly in the Persian Gulf region. His activities have raised concerns regarding his influence on the community, especially in the context of financial transfers purportedly aimed at fostering loyalty to Israel.
Following the arrest of Bishop Moussa al-Hajj for transferring funds to support the families of Lebanese informants, the implications of these actions extend to weakening the resistance efforts within the Druze population. Under the influence of the late Samir al-Kuntar, a leader in the resistance movement, the Druze community faced external pressures from Israel seeking to diminish their unity.
Historically, the Druze have resisted outside control, notably during the French mandate when they fought for independence, reflecting their long-standing desire for autonomy. With the tumultuous changes in Syria post-2011, the community once again faces a critical decision regarding their future, particularly as Israel seeks to widen its influence in southern Syria.
Recent clashes in Jaramana highlight the tensions between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Druze factions, revealing the precarious position of the Druze who demand constitutional protections against external factions. They are advocating for autonomy, resisting coercive governance without guarantees to preserve their cultural values.
Israel and the United States are particularly concerned about the emergence of a resilient Druze faction that embraces a resistance ethos akin to that of martyr al-Kuntar. Moreover, they view a potential Druze border crossing in Sweida as a strategic threat to their interests in the region, complicating Jordan’s role amid Israeli pressures.
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt’s meetings with Syrian factions signal an awareness of the precarious situation and the potential for further Israeli territorial ambitions in the region. His interactions with King Abdullah II of Jordan reflect the urgency to address the implications of a possible Druze autonomous state extending across significant areas in Lebanon and Syria.
Newly formed local factions, including the Men of Dignity and the Sweida Military Council, signify the community’s assertiveness in maintaining self-defense while resisting outside influences. There are indications of a collaborative effort between Druze leaders and the Syrian Democratic Forces aimed at restoring peace and governance under recognized authority.
Jumblatt warns that any steps toward Druze separation from Syria may have severe repercussions for Lebanon and beyond. Recent meetings among Druze clerics demonstrate a growing consensus against Israeli maneuvers, emphasizing the importance of unity and historical connection to their Arab identity.
The evolving situation of the Syrian Druze community underscores their struggle between seeking autonomy and facing pressures from external entities, notably Israel and local militant groups. As they grapple with their identity and governance, regional dynamics, including potential invasions of their autonomy, remain critical. The future will depend on their ability to unite against fragmentation and external manipulation.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
