Druze Leader Says Syrian Minority Does Not Need Israel's Support
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A senior leader of the Druze in Syria reacted to recent comments by the Israeli regime about its decision to assist the religious minority in the Arab country, saying the Druze do not need Tel Aviv's support.
"We do not accept to be under the tutelage of anyone," Yousef al-Jarbou said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency, adding that "defending us is the responsibility of the Syrian army, not others."
Sheikh Jarbou emphasized that the Israeli regime has sought to exploit the recent events in Syria in line with its own interests.
"We, as the people of Syria, can defend ourselves and do not wait for assistance from others, be it from Israel or anyone else," Sheikh Jarbou said.
According to AP, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely recently told Israel Radio she would do everything she could to help the Druze.
The Israeli official's remarks came after dozens of Druze villagers were killed by members of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group al-Nusra Front in the Syrian province of Idlib last week.
Druze is a religious group living mainly in parts of Lebanon, Syria, and the Occupied Palestine.
