Israel's Druze Leader Urges Recognition of Syria's New President in Cross-Border Call

BEIRUT — In a significant diplomatic overture aimed at stabilizing the Levant, Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community, held discussions on Sunday with Salman al-Hijri, the son of Syria's leading Druze figure. The talks focused on urging the international recognition of Ahmed al-Sharaa as Syria's president and initiating direct negotiations between Jerusalem and Damascus.

The conversation, which took place across the border between Israel and Syria, marks a rare instance of high-level engagement between Israeli religious leadership and Syrian community representatives following recent political shifts in Damascus. Tarif and al-Hijri agreed that acknowledging al-Sharaa's presidency is a critical step toward normalizing relations and ensuring security for Druze populations on both sides of the frontier.

Tarif, who holds considerable influence over Israel's approximately 160,000 Druze citizens, emphasized that the recognition of al-Sharaa would pave the way for broader diplomatic talks. The spiritual leader stated that the current political climate in Syria offers a unique opportunity to address long-standing grievances and establish a framework for cooperation. By engaging directly with al-Hijri, Tarif sought to leverage the deep historical ties between Druze communities to foster a dialogue that transcends traditional state-level hostilities.

Salman al-Hijri, representing the interests of Syria's Druze community, indicated openness to the proposal. He noted that his father and other community elders have long advocated for stability in the region, viewing al-Sharaa's administration as a potential partner in achieving that goal. The son of the Syrian leader stressed that any negotiation must prioritize the safety and rights of Druze villages located near the border, which have historically been flashpoints during periods of regional tension.

The timing of the call is significant, occurring as Syria attempts to consolidate its new government under al-Sharaa's leadership. Regional analysts suggest that the involvement of Tarif signals a shift in Israel's approach toward Syria, moving from containment to cautious engagement through community channels. However, the extent to which these discussions will translate into formal state-to-state agreements remains uncertain.

While the two leaders expressed optimism about the potential for dialogue, several hurdles remain. It is unclear whether the Israeli government will officially endorse Tarif's initiative or if Damascus is prepared to reciprocate with similar gestures from its own leadership. Furthermore, the reaction of other regional actors to a rapprochement between Israel and Syria could complicate the diplomatic landscape.

As the conversation concludes, the focus now shifts to whether these community-led efforts can bridge the gap between two nations that have been adversaries for decades. The coming weeks will determine if the recognition of al-Sharaa becomes a cornerstone of a new era in Levantine relations or remains an isolated diplomatic experiment.