Druze community leader denies endorsing Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections

Sheikh Mowafak Tarif, head of Israel's Druze community, issued a statement clarifying that his recent remarks praising Israel's intervention to prevent the massacre of Druze in Syria do not constitute support for any political party. The clarification comes a week and a half before Israeli elections, after media outlets interpreted his comments as an endorsement of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Tarif stated he has consistently acknowledged Israel as the only state that stood by the Druze, but emphasized this does not reflect a political position. He criticized media for distorting his statements and turning humanitarian actions into a political tool, adding that the Druze community's primary concerns are civil issues including planning, construction, and the Kaminitz Law.