Hikmat al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Syria, has called for the establishment of a separate Druze region within Syria. He appealed to the international community and free nations to support the Druze in declaring this autonomous region to ensure their protection. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence on Mount Hermon (also known as Jabal al-Sheikh) and in the surrounding security zone. Katz emphasized that the IDF's continued deployment aims to protect Israeli communities in the Golan Heights and Galilee, as well as to defend the Druze population in Syria. This stance follows security concerns highlighted by recent events on October 7, underscoring Israel's commitment to regional stability and the protection of minority groups.