Syrian Druze Leader Seeks Independence and Ties With Israel

In a bold and emotional appeal, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community, has publicly declared support for the creation of an independent Druze entity in southern Syria and for forging a strategic alliance with Israel. His comments, published Tuesday, mark a watershed moment in the shifting dynamics of the Middle East.

“We see ourselves as an inseparable part of the State of Israel’s existence, as an arm that forged an alliance with Israel,” al-Hijri stated. His words come after years of brutal persecution, culminating in a massacre that claimed some 2,000 Druze lives in Sweida province last July, perpetrated by troops loyal to Syria’s Islamist president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Located in southern Syria, Sweida province is home to the world’s largest Druze population, estimated at over 300,000. The region has been ravaged by violence, cut off from essential services, and left without access to food, medicine, or medical treatment for critical conditions like cancer.

“The only crime for which we were murdered is that we are Druze,” said al-Hijri. “This is an ISIS government established as a direct continuation of Al-Qaeda.” He described a litany of atrocities committed against his people executions, rape, and the burning alive of women and children calling the regime’s actions nothing short of genocide.

What makes al-Hijri’s call to Israel even more significant is his unequivocal recognition of Israel as a true ally. “Israel was the only country in the world that intervened militarily and saved us from genocide… airstrikes really stopped the massacre,” he said.

In stark contrast, he accused the Arab world of turning its back. “Not a single Arab country supported us,” he lamented. “They chose to side with the murderer and not the victim.” He said Arab leaders refused to even condemn the atrocities, while some like Turkey actively supported the regime’s actions.

Al-Hijri emphasized that the Druze-Israel relationship is not a recent development. “The connection was forged long before the fall of the Assad regime,” he said, citing longstanding blood and family ties. He portrayed the Druze as peace-seeking and modern in their aspirations, drawing parallels to Israeli society “We are peace-loving, not aggressive, and we want to preserve our special character.”

The al-Hijri family has led the Druze community since the 19th century, and Sheikh Hikmat, born in Venezuela and trained in law at Damascus University, now stands at the forefront of a movement with growing momentum. Since the July massacre, the Druze of Sweida have been fully mobilized, determined to defend their homes despite being isolated, under-supplied, and under siege.

Entire villages have been razed, and the Syrian regime holds over 200 Druze hostages. Despite it all, al-Hijri insists on a future of autonomy, possibly under temporary international supervision. But for him, Israel is the only trustworthy guarantor of such a transition.

As the Middle East evolves, voices like al-Hijri’s are charting a new course one where ancient alliances are rekindled, and Israel stands not in isolation, but as a partner to those who share its values and its vision of peace.

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