Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s commitment to the demilitarization of southern Syria and protection of Druze communities marks a significant policy shift. He emphasizes Israel’s strategic role in safeguarding the Druze, impacting regional dynamics and relationships with countries like Turkey. The implications for the Druze community are profound, with potential benefits and risks associated with this newfound support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent declaration emphasizes the need for the demilitarization of southern Syria and the protection of its Druze communities. This statement marks a significant policy shift for Israel. Netanyahu, in addressing military cadets, asserted, “We demand the full demilitarization of southern Syria; we will not tolerate any threat to the Druze community in southern Syria.” His focus is on preventing groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham from entering areas near Damascus.
Netanyahu specifically mentioned the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa, and Suwayda, which are home to a substantial Druze population. The Druze community in Syria is estimated at 700,000-800,000, representing about four percent of the country’s total population. Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak from Tel Aviv noted that Israel’s support positions it as a protector of the Druze, emphasizing a new strategic stance in the region.
Yanarocak explained that Netanyahu’s remarks signify clear red lines for Israel amidst shifting alliances in the Middle East, particularly regarding Turkey’s influence after Syria’s civil war. He highlighted that Netanyahu’s statement hints at an indefinite Israeli military presence in the Golan Heights, suggesting a proactive approach to secure Israel’s northern border.
The implications of these declarations extend to the Druze communities both in Syria and Israel. Wael Mugrabi, a leader from the Golan Heights, welcomed Israel’s commitment but cautioned that such public support could expose the Druze in Syria to dangers from extremist factions. He urged Netanyahu to address systemic discrimination against Israel’s own Druze citizens and proposed measures like work permits for Syrian Druze.
The Israeli Druze community, numbering 152,000, has historical ties dating back to Biblical times. While they have integrated into Israeli society, their position during the Six-Day War of 1967 has led to mixed perceptions about citizenship. Recent geopolitical developments due to the Syrian Civil War have also influenced attitudes toward Israel among the Golan Druze, emphasizing the complex dynamics of allegiance and survival in these communities.
Netanyahu’s recent statements represent a pivotal change in Israeli policy regarding the protection of the Druze community in southern Syria. By emphasizing the demilitarization of this region and declaring support for the Druze, Israel is positioning itself in a strategically proactive manner amidst regional tensions, potentially influencing the future stability of its borders and relations with neighboring countries. However, the response from extremist factions poses risks for the Druze population, indicating a need for careful policy considerations moving forward.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
