WANA (Mar 15) – More than a hundred Syrian Druze, mainly elders from Druze villages on the slopes of Mount Hermon, traveled to the occupied Golan Heights to visit the site of Nabi Shu’ayb. They were warmly received by their Druze counterparts in Israel. Their itinerary included a meeting with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, and visits to key religious sites.

 

Additionally, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that it would soon allow Syrian Druze workers to enter the occupied Golan Heights for “employment and strengthening cross-border relations.” This move aligns with Israel’s recent policies aimed at engaging the Syrian Druze community and fostering closer ties with them.

 

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the Israeli cabinet had approved an unprecedented aid program for the Druze and Circassian communities. He added that Israel would continue to strengthen the presence of the Druze community, support their brethren in Syria, and protect them from any threats.

 

These developments come as the Golan Heights remain under Israeli occupation, a status not recognized by the international community. Some analysts argue that Israel is leveraging the Druze community to advance its geopolitical objectives and create divisions within Syria’s social fabric. According to Quds Online, Israel aspires to fragment Syria and establish a “Druze state,” framing these efforts as part of its long-standing “divide and rule” strategy.

 

From Iran’s perspective, these Israeli actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and an attempt to expand its occupation. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, citing Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights, described the move as an extension of the Israeli regime’s expansionist and aggressive approach. He stressed the need to utilize all regional and international capacities to halt Israel’s aggression against Syria.

 

Overall, Israel appears to be using soft policies and outreach to religious minorities like the Druze to reshape the region’s demographic and political landscape in pursuit of its strategic objectives. These actions could escalate tensions in the region, drawing negative reactions from neighboring countries and the international community.