Jerusalem, Israel — As a significant contributor to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the Druze community remains largely unrecognized for its national commitment, according to Anan Kheir, a Druze lawyer and activist. Despite their deep-rooted identity as Israeli citizens and mandatory enlistment in the IDF since 1956, Kheir expressed concerns over the persistent segregation and minority status faced by the Druze in an interview on “The Jerusalem Post Podcast.”
The Druze people, who predominantly reside in northern Israel, have coexisted peacefully with their neighbors for decades. However, their pronounced loyalty to Israel has occasionally sparked hostility from radical groups, particularly within the Muslim community, who sometimes view the Druze’s service in the IDF as a betrayal of their Palestinian heritage.
Kheir pointed out that the Druze are the only minority in Israel mandated to serve in the national military forces ― a unique position that, he argues, should affirm their status as equals to Jewish Israelis within the army’s ranks. “In the IDF, a soldier is a soldier first and foremost. Whether they are Druze or Jewish doesn’t come into play,” Kheir explained during the podcast, detailing the respect and equality experienced by Druze soldiers in service.
However, despite their contributions, the Druze community continues to confront challenges arising from state policies. A major point of contention is the Nation-State Law, which Kheir argues effectively ranks citizens into two categories: those who are Jewish and those who are not, thus institutionalizing a hierarchy that places non-Jewish citizens at a disadvantage.
Another significant issue is the Kaminitz Law, related to unauthorized constructions. This law, according to Kheir, disproportionately affects the Druze by imposing heavy fines without court proceedings for building violations. He underscored that due to historical restrictions on the expansion of Druze villages, many families are compelled to extend their homes without the necessary permits, only to face severe penalties later.
“The implementation of these laws not only restricts the physical growth of our communities but also signifies a broader exclusion from the societal and national development of Israel,” said Kheir. He speculated that if current interpretations of these laws persisted or intensified, it could ultimately reshape the landscape of Druze property rights and broader civil liberties in the future.
This situation underscores a persistent dilemma faced by the Druze — while they are integral to the military and embrace their Israeli identity, they concurrently navigate systemic limitations that curb their full acceptance as equal citizens. As the debate over these issues continues, the Druze community remains steadfast in their commitment to Israel, hopeful for a future where their sacrifices and services are met with the equality they have long endeavored to achieve.