Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has warned Druze communities in Syria to remain vigilant against foreign interference, urging them to resist attempts to divide the country and manipulate their role in the region.
Speaking at a ceremony in Mukhtara marking the 48th anniversary of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, Jumblatt called on Syrian Druze to uphold their historical resistance and protect their Arab and Islamic identity.
Addressing the Druze population in Syria, Jumblatt urged them to defend their shared struggle with Syrian and Arab citizens against “occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on the Golan”.
He cautioned them to preserve their Islamic heritage, remain wary of “Zionist infiltration”, and ensure that no one among them becomes a tool for the division of Syria.
His remarks follow growing concerns over increased Israeli outreach to Syrian Druze, a move that has sparked criticism from regional leaders.
Jumblatt’s speech coincided with his announcement that the annual commemoration of his father’s assassination would be discontinued.
He stated that “justice has finally been served, even if it took a long time”, referencing the recent arrest of Ibrahim Huwayja, former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Chief, whom Jumblatt holds responsible for his father’s killing.
During his speech, Jumblatt reaffirmed the Progressive Socialist Party’s (PSP) commitment to Lebanon’s unity and Arab identity.
He stressed the need for Israeli forces to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon, called for the demarcation of Lebanon-Syria maritime and land borders, and urged that relations between the two countries be rebuilt on new foundations.
Jumblatt also criticised a recent visit by a delegation of about 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel – the first such visit in 52 years.
He dismissed the visit as symbolic, stating that “a visit, religious or otherwise, will not change the fact of occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights”.
Israeli media reported that the visit was coordinated by Muwafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community. The delegation reportedly visited Druze religious sites in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, though it remains unclear whether they met with Israeli officials.
In a separate development, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that Israel had sent 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to Druze communities in southern Syria, primarily in Sweida.
Saar described the gesture as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with the Druze community, stating: “We have a strong alliance with our Druze brothers. Supporting them is both a duty and an honour.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also vowed to eliminate threats to the Druze community and announced plans to allow Syrian Druze workers into the occupied Golan Heights.
Israel has also approved a $1 billion investment package over five years aimed at Druze and Circassian communities in the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Mount Carmel.
