Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hajri, one of the Druze spiritual leaders in Syria, stated that what he described as the “free will of the people” reflects a demand for an independent entity, emphasizing that the right to self-determination is a “sacred right guaranteed by international covenants” and cannot be renounced regardless of the sacrifices involved.
Al-Hajri’s remarks came in a recorded message published on his Facebook page on Thursday, in which he also expressed his gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as the United States, Israel, the European Union, the Kurds, and the Alawites.
He highlighted that the Druze community possesses the cadres and expertise necessary to manage their region’s affairs, calling for what he termed “an independent entity that ensures dignified living under the framework of international law and the standards of advanced nations.”
In late August, Al-Hajri called for the establishment of a separate “Druze region” from Syria, following his announcement of the formation of a military force in Sweida Governorate called the “National Guard,” which opponents likened to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The move coincided with a demonstration in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where participants carried the Israeli flag and called for separation from Syria.
In response, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar’ stressed in August that Damascus is engaged in “the battle to unify Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime,” rejecting any plans to partition the country and accusing Israel of direct interference in southern Syria.
The Druze community in Sweida is led by three senior spiritual authorities (Sheikhs of ‘Aql): Hamoud Al-Hanawi, Youssef Jarbou’, and Hikmat Al-Hajri. Observers note that Al-Hajri represents a minority within the community and does not reflect its broader stance. Al-Hanawi and Jarbou’ have repeatedly rejected calls for Israeli protection, upholding the principle of national unity, while Al-Hajri has continued to seek Israeli intervention and express gratitude toward Israel—a position activists say has hindered efforts to resolve the recent crisis in the governorate.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Damascus has accused Israel of using the Druze issue as a pretext to justify its attacks on Syria, calling on the international community to ensure Israel complies with the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.
