Druze Spiritual Leader in Israel Calls for Escalation of Strikes against Sweida and Criticizes Al-Shara

Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, sparked wide controversy after calling on the Israeli government to intensify its military operations in the Sweida province in southern Syria, during a special interview with the Hebrew site "Wynet".

Tarif sharply criticized Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara, saying: "Has Al-Shara changed because he wore a suit and tie? No, he is still a killer, and he still represents Hamas and ISIS. There is no difference between them".

He also revealed his direct contacts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, stating: "We communicate with them and hope to intensify the attacks".

Tarif's statements come at a time when Sweida is witnessing escalating clashes between Syrian forces and armed groups, amid Israeli threats to continue its escalation policy.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had previously called for the withdrawal of Syrian forces from the area, describing the Druze individuals there as "hostages", and affirming: "We will not abandon the Druze in Syria, and we will continue to implement the disarmament policy of the region as agreed".

Katz also warned that the Israeli army will escalate its responses if the Syrian government does not respond to Israeli demands, further increasing tension in the region.