Hikmat Al-Hajri, one of the Druze spiritual leaders in Syria, called on Monday for the establishment of a separate “Druze Region” apart from Syria, following his announcement of forming a military force in As-Suwayda province named the “National Guard.” Al-Hajri made these remarks during a meeting with representatives of military factions at the spiritual leadership headquarters in Qanawat, according to Syrian media. He claimed they managed to create a new arrangement within As-Suwayda described as “on the level of states,” referring to the new military formation and a legal committee.

He added, “We ask all honorable people worldwide to stand by us as a Druze community in southern Syria to declare a separate region to protect us forever.” The Druze in As-Suwayda have three spiritual leaders whose positions sometimes differ: Hammoud Al-Hannawi, Youssef Jarboua, and Al-Hajri, whose followers are considered a minority not representing the true stance of the community, according to observers. Jarboua and Al-Hannawi have repeatedly rejected requests for protection from Israel and insisted on national unity. Meanwhile, Al-Hajri has repeatedly called on Tel Aviv for intervention and expressed gratitude, which activists view as undermining efforts to resolve the recent crisis in the province. Since July 19, As-Suwayda has witnessed a ceasefire following a week of armed clashes between Druze groups and Bedouin tribes that left hundreds dead.

Israel has used the pretext of “protecting the Druze” to escalate aggression against Syria, which Damascus considers blatant interference, demanding Israel comply with the 1974 disengagement agreement. The new Syrian administration has been making intensive efforts to restore security since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, after 24 years in power. The new administration, headed by Al-Shara, has not threatened Israel in any way, yet Israel launched airstrikes killing civilians and destroying Syrian military sites, vehicles, and ammunition. Israel has occupied most of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and exploited the upheaval following Assad’s ouster to expand its occupation in the area, including the Syrian buffer zone.