
Syrian Druze Leader Praises Israel's State Model, Calls Community 'Integral Part of Israel'
Hikmat al-Hijri, spiritual leader of Syria's Druze, declared the Druze community an 'integral part of the State of Israel' during a gathering in Suwayda, praising Israel's state-building model and linking it to shared religious doctrines. His remarks intensified regional tensions, coming amid ongoing autonomy pushes in Suwayda province, resistance to Damascus' authority under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and periodic armed clashes. Al-Hijri referenced past Israeli military interventions in 2025 as protective of Druze communities and hinted at imminent developments in the province, while noting US-mediated talks focus on detainee issues. He emphasized his vision does not represent all Syrian Druze, some of whom reject alignment with Israel.



















