The article discusses the Syrian Druze community’s struggle for autonomy amidst Israeli interests and potential internal divisions. It highlights the role of influential figures like Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, incidents of collaboration with Israeli entities, and rising factions demanding self-governance. Concerns over Israeli expansion and the implications of a Druze border crossing with Jordan add complexity to the situation. Jumblatt’s efforts to unify the Druze against external pressures illustrate the community’s desire to protect their identity and heritage.
The statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reveal an intention to cultivate a loyal ally among the Syrian Druze to ensure continued support from the Palestinian Druze community. The Palestinian Druze, who possess fraudulent “Israeli” citizenship, are under the leadership of Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, a prominent figure aligned with Israeli interests. Sheikh Tarif has adeptly fostered relationships with several Arab nations, particularly those along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf.
In a troubling incident in 2022, the Lebanese security forces arrested Bishop Moussa al-Hajj, the representative of the Maronite Patriarchate in Jerusalem. He was found transferring funds from Israel to Lebanon to aid families of Lebanese collaborators fleeing to occupied territories, while also sending money from Sheikh Tarif to Druze clerics in Lebanon. This effort aimed to undermine Druze resistance movements, notably those led by Samir al-Kuntar, who was assassinated by Israeli forces in 2015.
Historically, the Druze community has been involved in significant resistance, notably achieving self-rule offers during the French occupation (1925-1927) but ultimately rising against such offers. After Israel’s 1967 war, it sought to incite a Druze uprising against the Syrian state, reflecting its broader strategy to create divisions within Arab unity. Presently, the Druze are again confronted with critical choices amidst a fragmented Syrian state.
Located primarily in Sweida Governorate, the Druze area has seen increased Israeli infiltration post-Bashar al-Assad’s government collapse, ostensibly under the guise of Druze support. This situation escalated recently with violent clashes between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Druze factions in Jaramana, highlighting internal community tensions and an emerging demand for greater autonomy due to their distinct semi-secular values.
Tel Aviv’s primary concern is the emergence of a cohesive Druze bloc that adopts a resistance narrative akin to that advocated by al-Kuntar. Moreover, there exists apprehension regarding Jordan potentially establishing a Druze border crossing in Sweida, which could create a vital economic linkage for the Druze populations in both Jordan and Syria. However, due to Israeli pressures, Jordan’s stance on this course remains uncertain.
Lebanon’s Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt, has proactively engaged with al-Julani following the Syrian government’s downturn, expressing grave concerns over potential Israeli expansion toward establishing a unified Druze state stretching from Lebanon to the Sweida region. This fear has materialized as factions requesting self-governance have emerged in response to regional conflicts.
Among these factions are: (1) Men of Dignity, led by Laith al-Balous, focused on community defense; (2) the Sweida Military Council, comprised of former Syrian army personnel; and (3) the Maher Sharaf al-Din faction, which has lost credibility due to its ties with the al-Julani government. Months before the military council’s announcement, a delegation from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) met with Druze leaders advocating for a cessation of conflict and a transition to a legitimate governmental authority.
It is evident that Israel plays a pivotal role in fostering these factions under its broader strategy of promoting regional fragmentation. Jumblatt is aware that any move toward Druze separation from Syria would have severe consequences extending far beyond Lebanon. Recently, he convened a meeting with Druze clerics in which there was a collective resolution to resist the Zionist agenda.
In a significant gathering of the Druze Religious Council in Beirut, Jumblatt articulated concerns that the Zionist project aims to incite civil strife among the Druze. Sheikh Abi Al-Mona echoed the sentiment, cautioning against reliance on foreign powers that may exploit the Druze community for their agendas. He called upon Druze leaders to support their community to preserve their heritage and identity.
The Syrian Druze community is navigating a precarious landscape influenced by historical resistance, contemporary Israeli interests, and internal divisions. Current events highlight the critical need for unity and self-determination among the Druze as they face pressures from external forces and conflicting agendas. Recognizing their cultural heritage and resilience is essential for safeguarding their future within the broader context of regional stability and identity preservation. The stakes are high, as any deviation from unity could facilitate further fragmentation and exploitation.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
