Hikmat al-Hijri, one of the Druze spiritual leaders in Syria’s southern Sweida province, has renewed his calls for the partition of Syrian territory and separation from Damascus, in remarks that also included clear attempts to seek Israel’s sympathy and seek its strength.
In a recorded speech on Thursday, he said: “Our choice of freedom and self-determination is not subject to bargaining or conditional loyalties. The dignity of this mountain (referring to the Druze-majority Jabal al-Druze area in southern Syria) is above all considerations, and its rights are derived from the authenticity of its history and the strength of its present.”
He added: “No matter how much de facto powers try to impose guardianship through coercion and misinformation, they will find no place among us. Our position is firm and settled: there is no authority or leadership over this mountain except that chosen by its people, and we will not allow any encroachment on our land and dignity.”
In an inflammatory tone against the Syrian government, Al-Hijri stated: “Our path toward our goal is clear, and our demands are non-negotiable. We remain committed to holding the ‘terrorist’ Damascus government—as he described it—accountable for all its violations and crimes in accordance with international law.”
In a statement that included thanks to Israel, he said: “We specifically thank the State of Israel, its government and people, as well as our loyal people and members of our community there, who have never hesitated to support their brothers.”
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