Elizabeth Tsurkov’s revelations on Druze militants and Israeli involvement in southern Syria

A pro-Israel gathering was reportedly held in the city of Sweida, attended by followers of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri. Among the participants was Muhannad Mazhar, a former militia commander. Tsurkov claims that Mazhar and his relatives were previously backed by Syrian military intelligence and Hezbollah during Bashar al-Assad’s rule, and were involved in drug trafficking, kidnappings, secret detention centers, extortion, and corruption networks. Following the collapse of state authority in southern Syria, individuals accused of war crimes have rallied around al-Hijri and now play a role in shaping the region’s security and social structures.

Tsurkov also cited reports from Israel’s Kan network and Reuters, which state that Israel provides equipment and monthly salaries to militias loyal to al-Hijri, while maintaining a direct presence in the Druze village of Hadr near the Golan border. Israel has reportedly taken responsibility for securing the village, which during Syria’s civil war served as a Hezbollah hub for monitoring Israeli military movements.

In another section of her report, Tsurkov argues that while Israel should not abandon Syrian Druze to attacks from newly dominant forces in the south, unconditional support for al-Hijri and his controversial commanders has enabled criminal elements and former Hezbollah affiliates to exploit this backing for personal immunity and continued activities. She concludes by stressing that within the Druze community, healthier and less controversial alternatives exist that Israel could rely on to safeguard minority security in southern Syria.