Lebanese Druze leader Jumblatt warns Syrian Druze against foreign influence

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has urged Druze communities in Syria to remain vigilant against external interference, warning against efforts to divide the country and manipulate their role in the region.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 48th anniversary of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, held in Mukhtara, Jumblatt called on Syrian Druze to uphold their historical resistance and protect their Arab and Islamic identity.

Jumblatt’s warning to Syrian Druze

Addressing the Druze population in Syria, Jumblatt stated: “Defend your shared historical struggle with Syrian and Arab citizens against occupation, colonialism, and mandates imposed on Golan. Preserve your Islamic heritage, remain cautious of Zionist infiltration, and ensure that none among you become tools for the division of Syria.”

His remarks come amid reports of increasing Israeli outreach to Syrian Druze, a development that has drawn criticism from regional leaders.

Jumblatt ends annual commemoration of his father’s death

Jumblatt, the former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), announced that the annual commemoration of his father Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination would be discontinued.

“Justice has finally been served, even if it took a long time,” he said, referencing the recent arrest of former Syrian Air Force Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Huwayja, whom he holds responsible for his father’s assassination.

Jumblatt also reaffirmed the PSP’s commitment to Lebanon’s unity and Arab identity, calling for:

• The full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon
• Defining maritime and land borders between Lebanon and Syria
• Reconstructing Lebanon-Syria relations on new foundations

Reaction to Syrian Druze delegation’s visit to Israel

Jumblatt criticized a recent visit by a delegation of about 100 Syrian Druze leaders to Israel, the first such visit in 52 years.

“A visit, religious or otherwise, will not change the fact of occupation in Palestine and the Golan Heights,” he said.

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.

Israel’s efforts to build ties with Syrian Druze

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 stated, “We have a strong alliance with our Druze brothers. Supporting them is both a duty and an honor.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would take action to eliminate threats to the Druze community and announced that Israel would 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 Golan Heights, Galilee, and Mount Carmel.