In a striking development, a prominent figure from the Druze village of Hader, located in the Mount Hermon area, publicly called for the annexation of the village to Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. In a meeting attended by a large number of residents, he argued that Israel would safeguard the Druze community’s dignity, presenting it as a preferable option over the uncertainty and potential threats posed by the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Divided Opinions in Hader
During the meeting, the speaker claimed that with the fall of the Assad regime, the Druze community faces two stark options: aligning with Israel or risking the devastation of their homes and families. He described annexation to the occupied Golan as the “lesser of two evils.”
However, the spiritual leadership council of Hader issued a firm statement rejecting any call for separation from Syria or annexation to Israel. In a public address delivered by the council’s leader, and attended by a large gathering of locals, he reaffirmed the village’s deep ties to Syria, emphasizing:
“Hader is an integral part of a unified Syria, and this stance is unwavering and principled.”
He dismissed any opposing views as illegitimate and unrepresentative of the village’s long-standing loyalty to Syria.
Israeli Allegations of Druze Appeals for Help
Meanwhile, retired Israeli General Uzi Dayan, a former deputy chief of staff for the Israeli military, claimed that some Druze leaders in southern Syria had reached out to him for assistance amidst escalating violence.
In an article published in Maariv, Dayan shared what he described as a letter from Druze leaders in Syria, stating:
“To our friend and ally, General Uzi Dayan, we appeal to you and to the State of Israel – Jews, Druze, Muslims, and Christians – to intervene urgently to save the remaining Druze areas in southern Syria, including Mount Hermon and the outskirts of Damascus.”
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The letter highlighted the deteriorating situation due to rising threats from extremist groups, economic strangulation by Iranian-backed forces, and neglect by the collapsing Syrian regime.
Israeli Strategy and Druze Autonomy Proposals
Dayan suggested that Israel should provide immediate assistance to the Druze in southern Syria, including weapons, food supplies, fuel, and medical aid. He argued that establishing a Druze autonomous zone near the Israeli border could promote long-term stability and strengthen ties between Israel and the Druze community.
“Had our proposal been implemented, it would have enabled the Druze to establish a self-governing entity near Israel, fostering a quieter border and solidifying relations with the Druze in the Golan Heights,” he wrote.
Dayan emphasized the strategic importance of assisting the Druze in southern Syria, citing their feelings of persecution by both the Syrian regime and various armed factions. He stated that now is the opportune moment to build lasting alliances with the Druze, not only in the Golan Heights but also across southern Syria.
Druze Leadership Calls for Unity and Reconstruction
On the other hand, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, expressed a different vision in a video address. He congratulated the Syrian people on what he called the liberation of their country from a “corrupt and hateful regime” and called for unity in building a modern civil state.
He stated:
“It is time to turn the page on this dark chapter and begin a new era under the banner of a united Syria, a symbol of peace and hope for all its citizens.”
Sheikh Hijri urged all Syrians, regardless of their affiliations, to work collectively toward creating a state based on justice, equality, and strong legal frameworks that protect the rights of all.
Calls for a Civil State
In his address, Sheikh Hijri emphasized the importance of moving forward together, both within Syria and abroad, to rebuild a modern civil state grounded in principles of fairness and inclusion. He also called for collaboration with neighboring countries and international bodies to ensure lasting peace and stability.
He concluded by honoring the sacrifices of those who had fought and died for Syria’s freedom:
“May the blood of our martyrs inspire us to achieve the noble goal of freedom and dignity for all Syrians.”
