Walid Jumblatt warned Syrian Druze against foreign interference, urging vigilance against Israeli outreach and advocating for unity. He highlighted the need to preserve their heritage and identity while resisting division. Jumblatt also announced the end of his father’s assassination commemoration, expressed satisfaction over recent legal developments, and called for renewed Lebanese-Syrian relations.
Walid Jumblatt, a prominent Lebanese Druze leader, has issued a warning to Druze communities in Syria about the dangers of foreign interference. He emphasized the necessity for vigilance against external attempts to sow division within Syria, especially in light of rising Israeli engagement with the Syrian Druze.
During a ceremony in Mukhtara commemorating the 48th anniversary of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, he implored Syrian Druze to uphold their historical resistance and to safeguard their Arab and Islamic identity. Jumblatt called for unity amidst their ongoing struggle against foreign occupation and colonialism, particularly concerning issues related to the Golan Heights.
He underscored the importance of preserving their Islamic heritage while being cautious of potential Zionist infiltration. His comments come amid increasing scrutiny of Israeli outreach efforts to Syrian Druze, which have sparked criticism among regional leaders.
In conjunction with these remarks, Jumblatt announced the discontinuation of the annual tribute to his father, expressing satisfaction over the recent arrest of Ibrahim Huwayja, a figure he holds responsible for his father’s death.
Jumblatt further reaffirmed the Progressive Socialist Party’s commitment to Lebanese unity and highlighted the need for comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. He advocated for new foundations in the relations between Lebanon and Syria, including the demarcation of their borders.
He also voiced concerns over a recent visit by a delegation of about 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel, the first in more than half a century. Jumblatt deemed this visit symbolic, stressing that such visits would not alter the reality of the occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights.
Israeli media reportedly coordinated this delegation’s visit to Druze religious sites, although it remains ambiguous whether they met with Israeli officials.
In a separate initiative, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the provision of 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to southern Syria’s Druze communities, particularly those in Sweida, framing it as part of an effort to strengthen relations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, promising to address threats against the Druze community and facilitate job opportunities for Syrian Druze in the Golan Heights. Furthermore, Israel has also approved a $1 billion investment package targeting Druze and Circassian communities in the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Mount Carmel.
In summary, Walid Jumblatt’s recent address highlights the pressing concerns surrounding foreign interference in Syria and the need for Druze communities to maintain their unity and resist division. His proactive stance against Israeli outreach and commitment to Lebanese identity reflects broader regional tensions. The emphasis on safeguarding their heritage and identity amidst increasing foreign engagement underscores the delicate balance Druze communities must navigate in this broader geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
