Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has urged Syria’s Druze community to stay alert against Israeli schemes, while announcing plans to discuss current issues with Syria’s President al-Sharaa. Tensions in Jaramana and increased Israeli military activities signal rising instability in the region. Jumblatt emphasized the need for Arab unity against Israeli maneuvers to exploit sectarian divides.
On Sunday, prominent Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt called upon Syria’s Druze community to exercise vigilance against purported Israeli plots. Speaking at a press conference in Beirut, he stated, “The free people of Jabal al-Arab must beware of Israel’s schemes in Syria.” Jumblatt expressed concern about broader efforts to destabilize Arab national security and indicated intentions to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss pressing developments.
Jumblatt’s remarks followed recent unrest in Jaramana, a suburb of Damascus populated mainly by Druze and Christians, where militia groups have caused security disturbances. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have directed military preparations for the area, characterized by the government as “Druze.” This situation reflects escalating tensions between Netanyahu’s administration and Syria’s new leadership regarding sovereignty violations.
Within his address, Jumblatt cautioned that Arab nations risk destruction and fragmentation, urging attention to upcoming discussions at an Arab summit in Cairo. He underscored the unity of the Druze community during historical struggles, stating, “Those who unified Syria during the time of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash will not respond to Netanyahu’s call.”
Jumblatt accused Israel of attempting to exploit sectarian divisions to further its objectives, warning that this could result in regional fragmentation and the advancement of the concept of “Greater Israel.” He emphasized that it is incumbent upon Arab leaders to act against these threats before it is too late.
The political landscape has shifted dramatically in Syria following the departure of President Bashar al-Assad to Russia, leading to a transitional government under new leadership. With Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and the recent intensification of military activity, both the United Nations and several Arab nations have expressed their condemnation of Israel’s actions, which violate international agreements.
In summary, Walid Jumblatt has called for vigilance among Syria’s Druze against perceived Israeli incitement aimed at destabilizing regional security. He plans to meet with Syrian leadership to address these challenges and emphasized the historical unity of the Druze community against external threats. The ongoing military activities in the Golan Heights by Israel and the geopolitical dynamics prompted by Syria’s transitional leadership further complicate the situation, warranting urgent attention from Arab nations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
