US Envoy Accuses Druze Leader of Weaponizing Foreign Ties

US Syria envoy Tom Barrack publicly rebuked a Druze spiritual leader on Friday for allegedly exploiting perceptions of Israeli and American backing against members of his own community.

Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey, made the remarks in an interview posted on X with commentator Mario Nawfal. He did not name the individual but said one sheikh uses the perception of support from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute fellow Druze. Barrack rejected any claim of explicit US backing for the figure as "absolutely wrong." The comments coincide with tensions surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri, a spiritual leader in Sweida who opposes Damascus authority, has sought Israeli support, and advocates full independence. In May 2026, al-Hijri declared that movement toward self-determination is irreversible, pushing for an independent administration for Jabal Bashan separate from Damascus.

Earlier this month, al-Hijri supporters raised Israeli flags at a rally in Sweida marking the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks. The Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing anger and condemnation. It denied that Jabal Bashan produces captagon and said its community has historically fought smuggling networks, including the loss of young men in that struggle. Barrack separately alleged that Druze groups in Sweida and Daraa finance weapons through the captagon trade, calling the area a global hub for manufacturing and sale of the drug and comparing it to methamphetamine production.

Barrack addressed Israel's relationship with Syria, stating the alignment exceeds political interference. He noted Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border have paid a price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has described its southern Syria military interventions as efforts to protect the Druze, including strikes on Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025. He said Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions, warning that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict.

On diplomatic progress, Barrack said Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding despite continuing mistrust and tensions along their shared border. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said he does not seek confrontation with Israel. Barrack noted Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership because of Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions deployed near the border. The two sides have held five rounds of border and boundary talks, beginning in Paris in May 2024.

The Bashan administration rejected Barrack's drug allegations. The group stated its community has historically been on the front lines against smuggling networks and paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, in the effort to eradicate illicit drugs.