Druze Leader Walid Jumblatt Says Israel Exploiting Druze to Suppress Palestinians and Expand into Syria

Beirut (Quds News Network)- Druze leader and former head of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, has stated that Zionism is exploiting the Druze community to suppress the Palestinian people. He warned that Israel’s ambitions include expanding into the Druze-majority region of Jabal Al-Arab in Syria, raising concerns about potential civil war fueled by Israel.

Jumblatt made these remarks following an emergency meeting of the General Assembly of the Druze Religious Council in Beirut. The meeting focused on the ongoing developments in Lebanon and Syria.

“Zionism uses the Druze as soldiers and officers to suppress the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank,” Jumblatt stated. “Now, they want to target Jabal Al-Arab in Syria.”

He added, “They aim to manipulate the weak-minded. The Syrian people know what is happening, and I will go to Damascus to confirm that the Druze’s reference point remains Syria.”

Walid Jumblatt also criticized Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, saying he does not represent the Druze and is supported by Israel. He warned that Israel was trying to exploit individuals, which could potentially lead to civil wars with dangerous outcomes.

The Druze leader stressed that the current situation was far more dangerous than previous ones. “Israel wants to take control of Jabal Al-Arab. We must either preserve our Arab identity or follow the Zionist plan,” he said.

The Druze community, known as the “Unitarians,” makes up around 3% of Syria’s population. They primarily live in the southern province of Sweida, as well as parts of Damascus, the Quneitra region, and northern Idlib.

In a separate statement, Jumblatt criticized Israel for using sectarian divisions for its own gain, attempting to fragment the region. He rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls for cooperation and claims that he wants to protect the Druze community.

Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz have issued orders to the Israeli army to prepare for an invasion into Jarmana, near Damascus under the pretext of protecting the Druze in the city.

Jumblatt warned of a broader Israeli plot to destabilize the region and undermine Arab national security, particularly in Syria and Palestine. He called on Syrian leaders from all political backgrounds to resist Israel’s “devilish plan.”

The Druze leader confirmed plans to visit Syria soon, following a request for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Shara.