US Envoy Barrack Accuses Druze Leader of Misusing Perceived Israeli Support

Residents of southern Syria face a more complex political landscape as US Special Envoy Tom Barrack criticizes local leaders for leveraging perceived international support. Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, stated on Friday that a prominent Druze spiritual figure is using the impression of Israeli and American alignment to pressure other members of the community. He made these remarks in an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, which was published on the social media platform X.

The envoy emphasized that his criticism is directed at a specific individual rather than the state of Israel. Barrack explained that this leader utilizes the notion of backing from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute fellow Druze. Although the envoy did not name the person during the broadcast, his comments coincide with rising tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a key spiritual figure in Sweida who opposes the authority of the central government in Damascus. He has called for Israeli assistance and has pushed for full independence from the Syrian state.

Barrack firmly rejected the idea that Washington has explicitly supported this sheikh, labeling such claims as absolutely wrong. The friction between different factions in the region became visible earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri displayed Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. This gathering occurred on the anniversary of the attacks from October 7, 2023. The symbolic act highlighted the intricate dynamics at play in the area.

The discussion also touched on the economic factors driving local armed groups. Barrack suggested that Druze factions in the province are financing their weapons through the trade of captagon. He described the region from Sweida to Daraa as a major global center for the production and sale of this illicit substance, comparing the process to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. According to the envoy, the revenue generated from this trade allows the Druze to arm themselves effectively.

In response to these accusations, the Bashan administration, which is linked to al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing strong anger. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a hub for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically been on the front lines against smuggling networks. The statement noted that the community has paid a high personal cost, including the loss of young men, in the effort to eliminate the problem of illicit drugs.

The political situation in the region has been further complicated by al-Hijri's declaration in May 2026. He stated that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. His goal is to establish a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan that is separate from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has increased scrutiny of the region's internal politics and its relationship with neighboring powers.

Barrack also addressed the broader relationship between Israel and the Druze community. He noted that the alignment goes beyond simple political interference. He pointed to the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border, stating that they have paid a significant price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has often described its military actions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

The envoy observed that Syria has shown notable restraint in responding to Israeli incursions. He warned that any aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. Barrack suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain what it sees as a buffer zone. This patience is viewed as a strategic choice to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger war, even while the Druze conduct themselves in ways that some consider inappropriate.

Looking to the future, Barrack expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding despite ongoing mistrust. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation with Israel. However, the envoy acknowledged that Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership. This wariness is attributed to Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions deployed near the border.

The negotiations between the two nations are described as an ongoing process of building trust. Barrack highlighted that the two sides have already held five rounds of border and boundary talks, which began in Paris in May 2024. He expressed confidence in the trajectory of these discussions. While the parties have come close to an agreement before, the envoy believes they will reach a final understanding again.