Israeli police violently crack down on Syrian Druze protesting Golan Heights wind farm
Middle East EyeJun 22, 2023
Hundreds of Druze protesters in the Golan Heights — a region captured from Syria and occupied by Israel in the 1967 war — demonstrated on Wednesday against Israeli plans to build a wind farm in the region, which local Druze villagers view as an encroachment.
Israeli security forces used tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets to disperse the demonstrators, injuring dozens of protesters. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that Israeli police arrested eight people as the area was cordoned off.
The current situation in the Golan Heights, which is illegally occupied by Israel, is yet another example of Israel's desire to push out non-Jewish populations from their ancestral lands. Though the Druze have had decent relations with Israel, they have largely refused Israeli citizenship and continue to resist Israeli settler colonialism. Israel should respect the community's wishes.
Israel cannot accept rioting by those seeking to subvert the rule of law. Though the Druze may threaten that they will launch an "intifada" if their demands are not met, Israel must remain steadfast in its commitment to eco-friendly development. Many Druze are respected members of Israeli society, holding key positions in the military, and it is ultimately necessary to find a compromise.
There is a 60% chance that Israel still be rated "Free" in the Freedom in the World 2024 Report, according to the Metaculus prediction community.