The appointment of the Israeli officer of Druze origin, Ghassan Alian, as the political coordinator for Druze communities in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria has drawn significant attention. This is especially notable because it is a decision made by the Israeli government, linked to the events in Sweida and the ongoing political divisions in Syria and Lebanon following developments in Jabal al-Druze. The key question is what impact this appointment will have on the Druze in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, where family, social, and geographical ties are closely interconnected.

It is difficult for any political actor in Lebanon or Syria to respond to this question, especially Druze officials in Lebanon. However, there is an understanding between the Jumblatt and Arslan families to protect the internal front in the mountains and maintain stability despite political differences. In Lebanon, there is a known vertical divide among Druze leaders along the line of Moukhtara, Khaldeh, and Al- Jahlieh, with each faction holding its own perspective.

Prince Talal Arslan condemned the massacres that occurred in Sweida, as did former minister Wiam Wahhab. Wahhab and Arslan continue to communicate with the Druze of Sweida. Religious authorities in Palestine coordinate with the Druze in Syria, specifically Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri. However, there has been a notable political rift between the former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, and Sheikh al-Hajri, with no communication between them.

Will there be coordination with Druze officer Alian, who is now responsible for the Druze in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon? It is natural that no one in Lebanon will coordinate with him, whether in Moukhtara, Khaldeh, or Al-Jahlieh . Consequently, political differences between Israeli Druze and the Moukhtara faction, which takes the firmest stance, are likely to be significant.

Another question arises: will Alian impose his agenda on some Druze leaders in Lebanon?

In reality, there are social, family, and other ties, and meetings may take place in villages that have normalized relations with Israel. This is not hidden from anyone, but coordination carries its risks, difficulties, and complexities. According to available information, Alian has begun communicating with villages in Mount Hermon and their officials, aiming for the most significant coordination with Sheikh al-Hajri, who maintains religious contact with the highest spiritual authority, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif.

The situation appears difficult and complex. According to Druze leaders speaking to Annahar, this is the first time in history that a Druze officer has been appointed as a political official in charge of Druze affairs with Israel. This suggests very dangerous developments, particularly in Sweida. Will war break out again, or will federalism be applied? Naturally, these developments will also affect Lebanon due to its geographical and social connections with Syria, and most importantly, the ties among the Druze of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Annahar