Syrian Druze Sheikh Calls for Alliance with Israel

A prominent Druze sheikh in Syria, Marwan Kiwan, expressed strong support for Israel in an interview with Kan News on Thursday, following recent demonstrations by his community celebrating three years since the October 7th Hamas attacks. Kiwan stated, "We support Israel and condemn the massacre carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas." He credited Israeli intervention in July of last year with preventing the destruction of the Druze community by the Syrian army, praising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his role. "Without him, they would have annihilated us to the last man," Kiwan asserted.

Kiwan drew a stark comparison between Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a and the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, labeling al-Shar'a as more dangerous. "Sinwar attacked himself, al-Shar'a sends others to carry out his deeds. He has arms like an octopus," Kiwan explained, accusing al-Shar'a of perpetrating massacres against the Druze.

He argued that current moral and political support from Jerusalem is insufficient, advocating for a formal military and security alliance. Kiwan proposed that the Druze join Israel's "security strip" and establish a confederated protectorate in the Golan Heights under Israeli supervision. "We are ready to be soldiers in the IDF. We will not sit idly by, if he orders you to go to battle, we Druze will fight alongside you," Kiwan declared directly to Netanyahu, signaling a willingness for full security cooperation.