Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt warns Syrian Druze communities to resist foreign interference and uphold their unity against occupation. He emphasizes the importance of preserving their Islamic identity and addresses Israel’s outreach to Druze. Jumblatt also marks a turning point with the arrest of a key figure related to his father’s assassination while reaffirming his commitment to Lebanon’s integrity against external pressures.
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has issued a warning to Syrian Druze communities about foreign interference, urging them to remain united to counter attempts at division and manipulation. At a ceremony commemorating the 48th anniversary of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, he emphasized the importance of maintaining their historical resistance and safeguarding their Arab and Islamic identity.
In his address, Jumblatt called upon Syrian Druze to protect their collective struggle alongside Syrian and Arab citizens against “occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on the Golan”. He reminded them to preserve their Islamic heritage, be alert to “Zionist infiltration”, and ensure that none act as instruments for Syria’s division.
His warnings come amid rising concerns about increased Israeli outreach to the Druze community in Syria, which has faced regional criticism. Jumblatt’s remarks coincided with his announcement to discontinue the annual commemoration of his father’s assassination, stating that “justice has finally been served” after the arrest of Ibrahim Huwayja, a figure he links to his father’s murder.
Jumblatt reaffirmed the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP)’s commitment to Lebanese unity and Arab identity. He pushed for Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon, advocated for the demarcation of Lebanon-Syria borders, and called for a reconceptualization of relations between the two countries.
He also criticized a recent visit by a delegation of approximately 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel, the first in 52 years. Jumblatt dismissed its significance, stating, “a visit, religious or otherwise, will not change the fact of occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights”. Reports indicated the visit was coordinated by Muwafaq Tarif, Israel’s Druze spiritual leader.
In a notable response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the dispatch of 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to Druze communities in southern Syria, particularly in Sweida. He emphasized that support for the Druze is essential and an honor. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz pledged to eliminate threats against the Druze and stated plans to permit Syrian Druze workers into the occupied Golan Heights. Furthermore, Israel has allocated a $1 billion investment package over five years targeted at Druze and Circassian communities in the Golan Heights and nearby regions.
In summary, Walid Jumblatt’s remarks highlight the need for Syrian Druze communities to remain vigilant against foreign influences, particularly in the context of Israeli outreach. His declarations reinforce the importance of unity within the Druze and their historical connections with Arab identity. The recent Israeli gestures towards Druze communities, alongside regional responses, contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the complexities of identity and foreign relationships within the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
