Six Druze villages in southern Syria are seeking to annex themselves into Israel due to the escalating existential threat they face from the collapse of the Assad regime and the rise of jihadist groups in the region. This decision emerged during a late-night council meeting held by Druze dignitaries in the Jabal al-Sheikh area, where they voiced their determination to prevent extremist factions from infiltrating their communities. The Druze, an ethnoreligious group making up about 3-4% of Syria’s population, primarily inhabit the southwestern region known as Jabal al-Druze. Their history dates back to the 11th century and constitutes a unique belief system that blends elements from various religious and philosophical traditions including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Greek philosophy, emphasizing monotheism and the unity of God.
In a recent assembly in the village of Hader, Druze leaders articulated their apprehensions regarding the advances of jihadist forces and proposed the idea of annexation to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. The Golan Heights is currently home to around 55,000 Israelis, with a significant number—approximately 24,000—being Druze. The Druze community is known for its intensely private culture, maintaining secrecy in their religious practices and rejecting conversions, which reinforces their community’s cohesion amidst regional turmoil. They view their current situation, stemming from the Syrian civil war and ongoing instability, as increasingly untenable, prompting discussions about seeking refuge under Israeli governance for the sake of their community’s future.
A prominent Druze leader, during the meeting, expressed a strong desire to choose “the lesser evil” in the face of imminent threats, indicating that annexation, although a difficult choice, could be more favorable than living under the control of extremist factions like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a prominent rebel group with origins tracing back to al-Qaeda. This leader underscored the stakes involved, warning that genocide, kidnapping, and the destruction of their homes could very well follow if extremist groups were to gain ground in their territory. The stark portrayal of their plight and the absence of reliable protection from the Assad regime has pushed the community to seek alternative forms of governance.
This sentiment of desperation and the quest for dignity were further echoed by statements from other community leaders, particularly from the city of al-Suwayda, which has a significant Druze population. They expressed a resolute desire to escape life under rebel rule and articulated an openness to Israeli governance, seeing it as a better alternative in the rapidly shifting political landscape. These calls for annexation reflect a community grappling with a potential loss of identity and safety, and an urgent necessity to make choices for their survival amid the rubble of civil war and sectarian violence.
The Druze community’s plea for annexation to Israel arises from a deep-rooted cultural desire for self-preservation and autonomy in the face of overwhelming odds. They have historically maintained a distinct identity and autonomy, often navigating complex relationships with various powers in the region. The ongoing conflict has significantly strained these dynamics, compelling the Druze to re-evaluate their alliances and security strategies. The Jabal al-Sheikh region, traditionally viewed as a sanctuary, is now perceived as a battleground at risk of being overtaken by militant forces, thus catalyzing talks of annexation for safety, dignity, and stability.
In summary, the request for annexation by the Druze villages signifies a profound and critical moment for the community as they grapple with the realities of warfare, sectarian strife, and the quest for survival amidst an increasingly polarized and dangerous environment. Their cultural heritage, which emphasizes secrecy, stability, and community, is now challenged in ways that could irreparably alter their future. As the situation continues to evolve, the Druze’s pursuit of annexation embodies a broader narrative of communities seeking refuge and security in an increasingly fractured Middle East, underlining the urgency of their plight in the face of impending crises brought on by extremist ideologies and the fragility of local governance.