Retired Brigadier Amal Assad Reflects on Military Career and Political Disillusionment

Retired Brigadier General Amal Assad, a Druze Israeli and former commander in the IDF, shared his reflections on his military service and political views in a recent interview. Assad recounted a poignant experience during the Lebanon conflict when he treated a wounded Druze girl and her mother, highlighting the complex human dimensions of war and the paradox of fighting against members of his own community on opposing sides. This moment reinforced his belief in compassion and the importance of recognizing shared humanity.

Assad’s military career spanned several key roles, including commander of the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit, the 932nd Battalion of the Steel Formation, and the Menashe Brigade responsible for the Jenin area during the early 1990s. He described his approach as tough on terrorists but uncompromising in protecting innocent civilians. Promoted to Brigadier General in 1998, he was the third Druze to reach this rank and later led the security coordination mechanism with the Palestinian Authority, a system that has since deteriorated.

Born in the Druze village of Isfiya on Mount Carmel, Assad’s upbringing and values shaped his dedication to service. He swore allegiance to the State of Israel on the Hebrew Bible and embraced values of courage, determination, and compassion, which he encapsulated in the title of his new autobiography, "My T.N.H." (the Hebrew acronym for these values). Despite his military achievements, Assad expressed disappointment with the political landscape, particularly criticizing the Likud party for being dominated by the far right and viewing the Nation-State Law as a "open wound."

Beyond his military and political views, Assad is active in social initiatives supporting the Druze community. In 2012, he launched the "Trail for the Druze Sons" project, a 220-kilometer hiking and running trail connecting Druze villages across Israel to honor Druze IDF fallen soldiers, including his younger brother, Staff Sergeant Fa Assad, who died in Gaza in 1993.

Assad’s story reflects the challenges faced by Druze Israelis balancing identity, loyalty, and service, as well as his personal journey from military leadership to political skepticism and community activism.