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2mo ago

Israeli Druze to Welcome Historic Visit by Syrian Druze Leaders

The first cross-border delegation in 50 years comes as Israel increases aid and access for Druze communities in Syria.

Leader of the Druze community in Israel Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif speaks with Reuters at his house in Julis, northern Israel March 13, 2025 REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Cars drive and people walk along a street in Sweida, Syria February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Yamam al Shaar/File Photo
Leader of the Druze community in Israel Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif speaks with Reuters at his house in Julis, northern Israel March 13, 2025 REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Druze men gather by a newsstand selling flags of Syria and the Druze community at Al Karama Square in city of Sweida, Syria

Overview

  • A delegation of around 100 Druze religious elders from Syria is expected to visit Israel on Friday, marking the first such visit in five decades.
  • The visit highlights Israel's efforts to support Syria's Druze minority, including humanitarian aid and expanded access to work opportunities in the Golan Heights.
  • Israel has delivered 10,000 humanitarian aid packages to Druze communities in southern Syria in recent weeks, coordinated by Israeli Druze leaders and the military.
  • Israeli officials remain wary of Syria's new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and have expressed concerns about its Islamist ties.
  • Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Syrian Druze workers will soon be allowed to cross into Israel for employment, signaling a shift in Israel's border policy.