Syrian Druze Leader Declares Allegiance to Israel Amidst Shifting Regional Alliances

Following the reported fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024 and the alleged flight of Bashar al-Assad to Russia, a new democratic government led by Ahmad al-Shar' is said to be in power. Amidst this transition, minority groups are seeking autonomy. Two such groups are the Kurds in northeastern Syria and the Druze in southern Syria.

Recent developments include the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, announcing the dissolution of the organization and its integration into Syrian state institutions. Concurrently, the United States has reportedly removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, potentially easing sanctions. In stark contrast, Druze leader Hikmat al-Hajri, a Sheikh of the Druze community in Syria, declared full loyalty to Israel from Sweida, stating that the Druze are an "inseparable part" of Israel and share common beliefs and future aspirations, including self-determination for the region he calls "Bashan."

Al-Hajri's declaration stands in opposition to historical Druze identity and contrasts sharply with the SDF's decision to rejoin the Syrian state. The article suggests that Israeli support for Sweida is not merely political speculation, citing Israel's past involvement in southern Syria under the guise of "protecting the Druze" and the region's presence in Israeli security calculations.

The article posits that the SDF's return to Damascus, supported by the U.S. during the fight against ISIS, aligns with a broader geopolitical shift, even without an explicit agreement. Turkey is identified as a key player in Syria due to its influence in the north and its relationship with the Syrian government. Syria's current political landscape is described as a delicate balancing act, requiring stable relations with Turkey and Washington, avoiding conflict with Israel, and preserving its sovereignty against foreign influence.