Walid Jumblatt Urges Syria’s Druze to Combat Israeli Schemes
Walid Jumblatt, a prominent Druze leader from Lebanon, has called on the Druze community in Syria to be alert against Israeli plots intended to destabilize Arab national security. He announced plans to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss these concerns. Jumblatt’s warnings coincide with rising tensions in Jaramana, as Israel prepares military responses to the situation. His remarks highlight the need for Arab unity against Israel’s strategies to exploit sectarian divisions for its gain.
In a recent address, prominent Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt urged the Druze population in Syria to remain vigilant against alleged Israeli “plots.” He conveyed his concerns during a press conference in Beirut, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness regarding Israel’s schemes aimed at destabilizing Arab national security. Jumblatt announced his intention to visit Syria for discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa about these developments.
The Druze leader’s comments come amid rising tensions in Jaramana, a suburb near Damascus predominantly inhabited by Druze and Christians. Recent unrest was sparked by local militias refusing to disarm, prompting Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to prepare military responses to the situation, which they labeled as a “Druze” area. This situation marks a distinct escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the Syrian government and Israeli forces.
Jumblatt stressed that Arab nations must remain alert to prevent further destabilization or fragmentation, calling attention to the upcoming Arab summit in Cairo as a critical venue for addressing these issues. He stated, “Arab countries will not be spared from destruction and fragmentation,” thereby urging a united Arab front against external threats.
Regarding the Druze community, he expressed confidence that they would not succumb to destabilizing influences from external entities, referencing historical figures who contributed to Syrian unity during times of crisis. Jumblatt remarked, “Those who unified Syria during the time of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash will not respond to Netanyahu’s call.”
He asserted that Israel seeks to exploit sectarian divisions to fulfill its own objectives, thereby advocating for the responsibility of Arab leaders to counter these divisive strategies. “Israel wants to exploit sects and denominations for its own benefit, aiming to fragment the region and realize the concept of ‘Greater Israel,’” he declared.
Moreover, Jumblatt mentioned the geopolitical consequences following the fall of the Assad regime. Notably, Israel’s recent territorial expansions in the Golan Heights, including the seizure of the demilitarized zone and increased military actions, have drawn condemnation from the United Nations and various Arab nations. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities in the region as it navigates both domestic unrest and foreign incursions.
In summary, Walid Jumblatt’s remarks reflect his deep concerns regarding the rising Israeli influence and the potential fragmentation of Arab unity, particularly within the Druze community in Syria. His calls to action resonate with the broader discourse about regional security and the necessity for proactive measures against external threats. The evolving political landscape in Syria and Israeli military actions continues to warrant close attention from Arab leadership and the international community.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
