Jerusalem Post columnist urges Israel not to support Suwayda’s separation in Syria
A columnist for the Israeli publication The Jerusalem Post called on Israel to support a political settlement between Syria’s Suwayda province and Damascus rather than facilitate its separation from Syria. In his view, the protection of the region’s Druze population can be ensured through political guarantees, representation in state institutions, and the Syrian state’s responsibility for security, services and justice.
The author believes that the experience of the Syrian Democratic Forces could serve as a guide for finding a compromise. He noted that the SDF’s conflict with Damascus did not end with the creation of an independent Kurdish state; instead, the parties moved to negotiations on Kurdish rights, their participation in a unified Syrian state and further integration into state institutions.
Access to examinations
As an example of the problem, the author cited the situation involving examinations taken by students from Suwayda. According to his claim, after the examinations were interrupted, Syrian authorities prepared examination centers, staff and materials. At the same time, according to media reports, the so-called “National Guard,” linked to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, did not allow students to leave the province for these centers.
The author stressed that students should not become parties to political confrontation. In his view, obstructing residents’ access to state services raises the question of who in the region is responsible for citizens’ basic rights and the security of civilians.
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Warning against a separate entity
The column notes that Hikmat al-Hijri is one of Suwayda’s prominent political voices, but he should not be regarded as the sole representative of Syrian Druze. The author also mentioned reports of detentions, ill-treatment or killings of al-Hijri’s opponents and critics, stressing the need for independent investigations into such claims.
In the author’s view, violations suffered by Druze and Bedouin civilians must be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable regardless of affiliation. At the same time, he believes this does not make Syria’s division inevitable. In his assessment, a separate Druze entity without broad international recognition, funding and security guarantees could become an unstable zone of external influence.
The author called on the Syrian government to offer a broader political initiative for Suwayda: ensure transparent justice, continuity of educational and medical services, residents’ participation in state institutions, and the gradual integration of armed formations into state structures.
