Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt warns Syrian Druze to remain vigilant against foreign interference. He emphasizes unity in defending against occupation and colonialism, while condemning the recent Israeli outreach. Jumblatt also announces the end of commemorating his father’s assassination and reiterates commitment to Lebanon’s unity, criticizing any attempts at division among the Druze community.
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has issued a warning to Druze communities in Syria regarding foreign interference, urging them to remain alert against efforts that aim to destabilize their unity and manipulate their regional role. During a ceremony in Mukhtara, which commemorated the 48th anniversary of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, he stressed the importance of maintaining their historical resistance and preserving their Arab and Islamic identity.
In his address, Jumblatt called upon the Druze of Syria to jointly defend their struggles alongside Syrian and Arab citizens against various forms of occupation and colonialism, particularly regarding the Golan Heights. He cautioned them to protect their Islamic heritage and maintain vigilance against Zionist infiltration, asserting that no one should become an instrument of division within Syria.
His remarks come in light of heightened concerns regarding Israeli engagement with Syrian Druze, a development that has drawn criticism from regional authorities. At the same time, Jumblatt announced the discontinuation of the annual commemoration of his father’s death, stating that “justice has finally been served, even if it took a long time,” in reference to the arrest of Ibrahim Huwayja, a former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Chief.
Furthermore, Jumblatt reiterated the Progressive Socialist Party’s dedication to Lebanon’s unity and its Arab identity. He called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and for the establishment of new foundations in the relations between Lebanon and Syria, emphasizing the need for clear maritime and land borders.
Jumblatt also criticized the recent visit of approximately 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel, calling it merely symbolic. He stated, “a visit, religious or otherwise, will not change the fact of occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights.” Reports indicated that this delegation, coordinated by Muwafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, visited religious sites but it remains uncertain whether they engaged with Israeli officials.
In a related matter, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the delivery of 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to southern Syrian Druze communities, particularly in Sweida. He characterized this action as part of a greater effort to bolster relations with the Druze, asserting, “We have a strong alliance with our Druze brothers. Supporting them is both a duty and an honour.” Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated intentions to address threats to the Druze community and welcomed plans to permit Syrian Druze workers entry into the occupied Golan Heights. A significant $1 billion investment plan over five years has also been approved to benefit Druze and Circassian populations in the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Mount Carmel.
In conclusion, Walid Jumblatt’s address highlights crucial concerns regarding foreign interference and calls for unity among Druze communities in Syria. His warnings against division, alongside the critique of Israeli outreach, reflect ongoing tensions in the region. The recent humanitarian efforts from Israel and its substantial investment plan may impact the dynamics within the Druze community, necessitating vigilance and solidarity in the face of potential manipulation.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
