Lebanese Druze Leader Calls for Dialogue in Southern Syria

The leader of Lebanon's Druze community, Walid Jumblatt, has called for reconciliation between Bedouin tribes and the Druze of As-Suwayda to begin a dialogue.

He also proposed creating an investigative commission to "uncover the crimes" committed against the residents of As-Suwayda and the Bedouins, who, he said, are also an integral part of Jabal al-Arab (a mountainous massif in southern Syria, mainly inhabited by Druze). Jumblatt condemned Israel's strikes on Syria, as well as Israel's "daily attacks" on Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the situation in As-Suwayda is not de-escalating. Militant groups of Hikmat al-Hijri, who enjoy Israel's support, have captured many families belonging to Bedouin tribes. The Druze are threatening to execute women and children if armed groups from the Arab tribes enter the area.