Syria envoy: Druze leader uses Israeli image to divide community

The US special envoy for Syria has publicly questioned the motives of a leading Druze figure in the south, arguing that the man uses the image of Israeli support to marginalize fellow community members. Tom Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made the comments during a Friday interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, published on the social media platform X.

Barrack clarified that his critique targets a specific sheikh rather than the state of Israel. He stated that this leader utilizes the perception of support from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute other Druze. Although the envoy did not name the individual in the interview, the remarks align with rising tensions around Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri, a prominent spiritual leader in Sweida, opposes Damascus and has called for full independence from the Syrian government.

The friction between these groups surfaced earlier this month when al-Hijri’s supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering marked the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks. Barrack rejected the idea that Washington explicitly supports the sheikh, calling such claims absolutely wrong.

The envoy also linked local armed factions to the illicit drug trade. He suggested that Druze groups in the province finance their weapons through the sale of captagon. Barrack described the corridor from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing the drug, comparing the process to methamphetamine production. He argued that this revenue allows the Druze to arm themselves effectively.

In response, the Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement condemning the accusations. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They noted that the community has historically fought smuggling networks and cited the sacrifice of young men in the effort to eradicate illicit drugs.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He aims to establish a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan, distinct from the government in Damascus. Barrack noted that Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

The envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. The two sides have held five rounds of border talks, a process that began in Paris in May 2024. Barrack stated he believes they will reach a final agreement despite current mistrust.