IDF General Slams Nation-State Law, Cites Discrimination Against Druze
Amal Asaad, a retired Israeli Brigadier General and Druze community leader, has voiced strong criticism of Israel's 2018 Nation-State Law, arguing it diminishes his sense of belonging and turns him into a "guest" in his own country. Asaad, who served for 26 years in the IDF and fought in multiple wars, including the Yom Kippur War, highlighted his family's sacrifices, including his brother who was killed in Gaza in 1993. He expressed dismay that the law, which defines Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, seems to grant more rights to Jews living abroad than to loyal Druze citizens who have served and died for the country.
Asaad recounted personal experiences of discrimination, including an incident in 1974 where a young woman, later identified as Daniella Weiss, yelled at him, "Arab, what are you doing in the army?" He also described being denied entry to a computer room at a military intelligence unit in the late 1980s due to lacking the appropriate security clearance, while his Jewish subordinates were admitted. He noted that while Druze individuals now serve in all IDF units, including top-secret ones, they often feel like second-class citizens after leaving the military.
He is a leading figure in the "Path of the Druze Sons" project, a 220 km trail connecting Druze villages, which began with a run in 2013 and now attracts tens of thousands of participants annually. This initiative aims to commemorate the 451 Druze fallen soldiers. Asaad also shared his belief in peace and coexistence, detailing a meeting with a former Palestinian militant from Jenin who is now a businessman, emphasizing that dialogue is possible.
Asaad criticized the government for policies that he believes strengthen Hamas and weaken the Palestinian Authority, hindering peace prospects. He also expressed frustration with the lack of development and infrastructure in Druze villages compared to Jewish towns, urging Druze local leaders to unite and advocate more effectively for their communities. Despite his grievances, Asaad stated he is proud to be both Israeli and Druze, and ultimately, a human being.
