Syrian President: We Will Not Be Dragged into a New War .. Druze at the Heart of the State

In his first appearance after tensions escalated in the province of Al-Suwayda, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a delivered a speech early Thursday morning, holding Israel responsible for what he described as "creating sedition" within Syria, emphasizing that its recent actions have caused a dangerous escalation in southern Syria, especially with its direct military intervention under the pretext of "protecting the Druze".

Al-Shar'a said that Syria was faced with two options: either entering into an open war with Israel at the expense of the stability of Al-Suwayda and the safety of civilians, or containing the situation wisely to preserve the unity of the country.

He added: "We do not fear war, but we have chosen the interest of the nation and avoided chaos and destruction, and we have decided to entrust local factions and tribal elders with the task of maintaining security in Al-Suwayda".

In a direct message to the Druze community, Al-Shar'a emphasized that they are "an integral part of the Syrian national fabric", and that the state rejects any attempt to drag them towards external agendas or internal division.

He pledged to hold accountable anyone who committed abuses against the people of Al-Suwayda, stating that "justice will reach everyone without exception".

Al-Shar'a pointed out that Israel has been intent on destabilizing Syria since the fall of the previous regime, and is now resorting to the same methods to dismantle the Syrian society, saying: "We know who wants to ignite war on our land, but we will not give them this opportunity. Syria is not a playground for others' experiments, and we will not allow it to be torn apart".

The Syrian President also highlighted the decisive role played by American, Arab, and Turkish mediations, which prevented the region from sliding into a comprehensive confrontation.

He explained that the clashes that erupted between armed groups of Druze and Bedouins in Al-Suwayda were the result of old disputes, but the intervention of groups operating outside the law, and their rejection of dialogue, exacerbated the crisis.

Al-Shar'a affirmed that government forces managed to restore stability and expel the lawless factions despite Israeli intervention, but Tel Aviv responded by launching airstrikes targeting civilian and government facilities to undermine the state's efforts to establish security.

The Syrian President called on all Syrians to rally around their country, stating that "Syria is everyone's home", and that overcoming the current stage requires genuine national cooperation, away from personal or sectarian interests, adding: "Unity is our weapon, hard work is our path, and our will is the foundation of the future".

In conclusion, he emphasized that the state is continuing in the national recovery project, and that protecting civilians and thwarting the plans of those lying in wait for Syria are two priorities that are non-negotiable.