US Envoy Accuses Druze Leader of Exploiting Perceived Israeli Backing in Syria
Washington's Syria envoy claims a prominent sheikh is using alleged ties to Israel and the US to divide the Druze community, a charge that has sparked a sharp rebuttal from local authorities.
By Sakura Novak ·
The United States has sharply criticized a leading Druze spiritual figure in southern Syria for allegedly manipulating perceptions of foreign support to target his own community. Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria and ambassador to Turkey, made these remarks in an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal published on X on Friday. Barrack stated that this specific sheikh is leveraging the belief that Tel Aviv and Washington back him to persecute other members of the Druze.
While Barrack did not name the individual during the interview, the comments align with rising tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a prominent leader in Sweida who opposes the authority of Damascus and has called for Israeli support. He has previously advocated for full independence from the Syrian government. The envoy clarified that his concern is not with Israel itself, but rather with how this particular leader uses the perception of alignment with both Israeli and American interests to his advantage.
Barrack firmly rejected the idea that the sheikh has explicit support from Washington, calling such claims absolutely wrong. The friction between these factions became visible earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. This gathering marked the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks, a symbolic act that highlighted the complex dynamics in the region.
The envoy also addressed the economic foundations of local armed groups, suggesting that Druze factions in the province are financing weapons through the captagon trade. He described the area from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the illicit drug, comparing its production to the creation of methamphetamine. According to Barrack, revenue from this trade enables the community to arm itself effectively.
In response, the Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically been on the front lines against smuggling networks and has paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, in the struggle to eradicate illicit drugs.
The political landscape has been further complicated by al-Hijri's declaration in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan distinct from the government in Damascus. Barrack noted that the relationship between Israel and the Druze goes beyond politics, pointing to Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border who have served alongside Israeli Defense Forces.
Barrack observed that Syria has exercised notable restraint in response to Israeli incursions, warning that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. He suggested Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain what it perceives as a buffer zone. Looking ahead, the envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding. He noted that President Ahmed al-Sharaa does not desire a confrontation, though Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership. The two sides have already held five rounds of border talks that began in Paris in May 2024, and Barrack believes they will reach a final agreement.
