Suwayda remains in stasis as US signals differences with Israel on Syria

US special envoy Tom Barrack discussed Syria and Suwayda in an interview with a popular X personality, revealing, analysts say, differences between Washington and Israel. He referred to a Druze sheikh widely believed to be Hikmat al-Hijri, who is linked to the National Guard, an armed group accused of receiving Israeli support and pursuing separatist ambitions. Researcher Navvar Saban said Israeli backing for al-Hijri does not mean US backing, as Washington prioritizes an agreement with Damascus. President Donald Trump has built close ties with Ahmed al-Sharaa and views instability as a threat to Syria’s reconstruction after 13 years of war.