Thanking Israel.. Al-Hajri: Separation from Damascus Is Non-Negotiable

SadaNews - The spiritual leader of the Druze community in Sweida, Hikmat Al-Hajri, stated that the option for self-determination is irrevocable for establishing an autonomous administration for Jabal Bashan, completely separate from the Damascus government. He described this option as non-negotiable and not subject to conditional loyalties, elevating what he termed the "dignity of Jabal Bashan," affirming that it surpasses all considerations.

Al-Hajri emphasized during a speech broadcasted by Al Jazeera Mubasher that the demands of the Druze are non-negotiable and that the path towards implementing the right to self-determination is moving forward with firm steps, distancing itself from the rule of groups with which coexistence has proven impossible. He confirmed that there is no leadership or authority over this mountain except for those chosen by its people.

He also rejected what he described as "attempts of external interference" from parties that have no jurisdiction over the Druze, asserting that the Druze will seize their rights through their strength and steadfastness, being the most knowledgeable about managing their affairs and governing their region through their honorable sons.

He pointed out that what he termed the "forces of the status quo" will not be able to impose their guardianship through coercion and deception, describing these efforts as blatant attempts.

Thanking Israel

Al-Hajri called for the prosecution of the Syrian government, which he labeled as "the terrorist government," for all its violations and crimes according to international law, clarifying that the immediate goal is to compel the "aggressors" to implement the international solution set during the July 2025 truce, which involves returning the kidnapped and disclosing the forcibly disappeared, and liberating Druze villages and towns.

The Druze leader expressed his gratitude to what he referred to as the allies and international guarantors making efforts to establish Druze administration and its full sovereignty over Jabal Bashan "as a stable reality." In this context, he specifically thanked the countries and organizations supporting the Druze cause, explicitly thanking Israel "government and people."

Internally, Al-Hajri noted that Jabal Bashan faces a systematic pressure system that includes economic blockade, administrative invasion, and systematic starvation policies; however, he affirmed that the mountain is overcoming these pressures through the awareness of its civil society and the cohesion of its structure.

He emphasized that defending the mountain and building its institutions is a complementary task that unites all Druze through coordinating efforts and adhering to comprehensive administrative directives that serve the public interest.

Source: Al Jazeera