A delegation of around 100 Druze sheikhs from Syria has made a historic visit to Israel, entering the country for the first time in over 50 years. The visit comes as tensions between Israel and the new government in Damascus are escalating.
The Druze community, an Arab minority with roots in Islam, live in areas straddling Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and the Golan Heights. Many serve in the military and police, including during conflicts like the Gaza war.
While the visit is intended to be a purely religious occasion, its significance has been underscored by recent Israeli airstrikes on command centers of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad movement in Damascus. This move has heightened tensions between Israel and the new government.
Israel has offered support to the Druze community since the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December. The country has sent aid, including oil and flour, to southern Syria, and Defense Minister Yair Golan (corrected) has said that Syrian Druze will be allowed to enter and work in the Golan Heights.
The visit marks a significant moment for Israel’s relations with the Druze community, which has been largely overlooked by the new government in Damascus. The delegation is expected to travel to various shrines, including those held sacred to Prophet Shuayb, west of Tiberias in the Lower Galilee.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/druze-religious-elders-syria-make-historic-visit-israel-2025-03-14