Syrian Druze chief suggests Sweida integration into Israel

Syrian Druze chief suggests Sweida integration into Israel Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Mon, 07/13/2026 - 13:48 Hikmat al-Hijri says his province's 'autonomy' could be preserved as part of its southern neighbour Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri reading a speech to the Druze community in Syria (Wikicommons) Off A spiritual leader of Syria 's Druze community has suggested that the country's Sweida province be integrated into Israel. Speaking at an event to mark the first anniversary of violent sectarian unrest in the southern province, Hikmat al-Hijri said his home's autonomy could be preserved under the protection or even "integration with another state". "We are determined to preserve our autonomy in Sweida so that we can live an independent life and present people with a model for this region," he said.