Jumblatt says ready to visit Damascus, warns of Israeli plots in Syria

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
30 Apr 2025 19:20

Walid Jumblatt urges unity among Syrian Druze and warns against "Israel's" efforts to exploit the community.

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Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt speaks to the media after a meeting with France's President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 (AP)

Former leader of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party and prominent Druze figure, Walid Jumblatt, emphasized the need for a clear and resolute condemnation of any act that insults the Prophet Muhammad and Islam.

His remarks came in response to a circulated voice recording allegedly featuring a Syrian Druze figure making offensive remarks against the Prophet. He stressed the importance of rejecting such provocations firmly and unequivocally.

Jumblatt expressed his readiness to return to Damascus to engage in dialogue, aiming to support the demands of the Druze community, which he described as an integral part of the Syrian people.

Rejecting "Israel's" interference in Syria

Regarding the fate of the Druze community in Syria, the Lebanese official noted that the Druze are entering a critical phase in which they must choose between being integrated into a unified Syria or being drawn into an Israeli agenda aimed at fragmenting and displacing them.

He warned that internal voices seeking support from "Israel" only serve to undermine the community. He emphasized the need to silence such calls and to firmly oppose any form of "Israeli" interference.

Jumblatt further pointed to the actions of Sheikh Tarif, a Druze figure in occupied Palestine with links to the Israeli government, accusing him of attempting to involve Syria in a broader conflict. He condemned visits by Syrian Druze to the shrine of Prophet Shu'ayb located in occupied territory, describing them as contrary to the community's values.

"A unified Syria is essential," Jumblatt said, "but Israel is attempting to exploit the Druze community and push them toward displacement."

He concluded by calling for the urgent formation of a liaison committee to bring together all sides and contribute to resolving the Syrian crisis.

Druze Sheikh calls for 'Israel's' help

It is worth noting that Tarif called for "immediate intervention" by the Israeli occupation military to prevent what he described as an “imminent massacre targeting Druze villages in Syria,” amid growing fears of escalating sectarian violence.

These developments come a day after clashes in the city of Jaramana between local armed groups and pro-government forces, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Tensions renewed in the nearby town of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside, with 11 reported killed in clashes so far, raising concerns of a broader sectarian conflict.

Clashes between security forces and members of the Druze community erupted early Tuesday in Ashrafiyat #Sahnaya, southwest of Jaramana near Damascus in Syria, following an attack on checkpoints set up by government forces, sources told #AlMayadeen.

The sources added that the… pic.twitter.com/NUadiwiweV
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 30, 2025

As armed clashes continue striking fear among Syria's residents, "Israel" announced it had carried out a strike on Syrian territory under the pretext of targeting an "extremist group" that was allegedly preparing to launch an attack on members of the Druze community in Syria.

In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Israel Katz said that the strike targeted the "extremist group" as it was poised to continue its assault on Druze residents in Sahnaya.

"At the same time, a message was passed on to the Syrian regime - Israel expects it to act in order to prevent harm to the Druze," the statement read.

However, a spokesperson for Syria’s Interior Ministry, speaking to Reuters from Sahnaya, said there was no indication that an attack had occurred.

'Israel' exploits Syria's transition

"Israel" has been conducting massive and near-daily attacks on Syria, and launched a brutal aerial campaign targeting military bases and centers that had operated under the former Assad regime. Since its collapse, "Israel" occupied Syrian lands and declared the 1974 disengagement agreement void.

Israeli officials, including Security Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have instructed the IOF to prepare for the "prolonged" occupation of Syria, particularly Mount Hermon.

Although Syria's transitional government said it would not harm "Israel", the occupation continues its violations, claiming it is preventing and disallowing Damascus from threatening it.