Six Druze villages in southern Syria have formally requested annexation by Israel, citing fears of persecution and insecurity following the collapse of the Assad regime. The appeal reflects growing concerns over the rise of extremist Islamist factions in Syria and their implications for the Druze community.
The Druze Request
During a meeting held in the Jabal al-Sheikh region, Druze community leaders declared their intention to resist the advance of jihadist forces and proposed annexation to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. This unprecedented move comes as the Druze, historically loyal to the Assad regime, face an existential dilemma under the new Sunni-dominated leadership in Syria.
The Druze, an esoteric monotheistic community, have long adhered to a tradition of allegiance to the ruling authority of the states they inhabit. This has resulted in divided loyalties since the 1967 Six-Day War, with families split across the ceasefire line between Syria and Israel. However, the Druze in Syria now fear for their safety, pointing to the brutal actions of Islamist factions against minorities during the civil war.
Historical Context and Community Dynamics
Before the Syrian conflict, the Druze population in Syria numbered approximately 700,000, accounting for 3% of the population. Concentrated in the Suwayda Governorate and around Damascus, the community also maintained smaller settlements in Mount Hermon and Idlib. However, the war significantly impacted the Druze, with massacres and terrorist attacks highlighting their precarious position.
Notable incidents include the 2015 massacre in Qalb Loze, where 20-24 Druze were killed, and the 2018 ISIS attack on Suwayda, which claimed at least 258 lives. The war also saw the emergence of Druze militias, such as Jaysh al-Muwahhidin, aligned with Assad’s forces, and the Al-Jabal Brigade, which contributed to the fall of the Ba’athist regime.
Israeli Response and Strategic Implications
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met with Sheikh Mawafek Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, to discuss the safety of Druze populations in southern Syria. Israel has fortified its positions in the Golan Heights, including deploying forces to Hader, a Druze village on the Syrian side. This area is seen as a buffer against extremist incursions.
While the Druze request highlights the community’s desire for security and reunification with relatives in Israel, its implementation presents legal and political challenges. Israel lacks a formal mechanism for annexing foreign territories and their populations, and such a move would likely draw criticism from neighbouring states and international bodies.
Broader Regional Context
The situation in the Golan Heights is emblematic of the broader instability in Syria. The collapse of the Assad regime has left power fragmented among Kurdish groups and Sunni Islamist factions. Iran, a long-time ally of Assad, appears to have scaled back its involvement, facing challenges to its regional influence and responding cautiously to recent developments.
Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly considering military action against Iran’s nuclear programme, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. Israel, which has played a key role in countering Iranian proxies, continues to advocate for coordinated action with the US to address these threats.
Image Reference:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Sheikh Mawafek Tarif, leader of the Israeli Druze community, to discuss security for Druze in southern Syria and their role in regional stability. (Source: Israel War Room, @IsraelWarRoom)
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