jordan pulse -

In a sharp response to recent statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Circassian institutions in Syria have formally rejected his attempt to categorize them as "brothers" within his political project. The backlash follows Netanyahu's speech on Sunday during a conference for Druze and Circassian local authorities at the Dead Sea.
Netanyahu’s Statements (May 10, 2026)
During the conference, Netanyahu addressed Druze and Circassian leaders, stating:
"We Are Brothers": He claimed that the bond between Israel and these communities is "not an empty phrase" but a sacred alliance.
Commitment to Protection: He noted his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the "sacred mission" of securing the lives of these communities, emphasizing that "brothers do not abandon each other."
Military Integration: He referenced the service of Druze and Circassian soldiers in the Israeli military as the core of this alliance.
The Syrian Response
Circassian leadership in Syria, through statements to Al-Quds Al-Arabi, countered Netanyahu’s rhetoric with several key points:
Categorical Rejection: Hisham Qat, Chairman of the Circassian Charity Association in Syria, stated that the community rejects these comments "in heart and form." He emphasized that Circassians have never been, and will never be, a tool for political exploitation or foreign agendas.
Historical Enmity: Representatives pointed out that the relationship with Israel has been defined by war and displacement, specifically noting that Israeli occupation forced Circassians from their villages in the Golan Heights.
Syrian Identity: The institutions reaffirmed that Circassians are an "inseparable part of the Syrian identity," standing in solidarity with the Syrian state against external attempts to fragment the social fabric.
Strategic Context
This exchange highlights the deep divide within the Circassian diaspora. While a Circassian minority resides within Israel and serves in its security forces, the much larger community in Syria remains firmly opposed to Israeli policies.
Netanyahu's attempts to bridge this gap via "identity politics" are seen by Syrian leaders as a strategic maneuver to gain regional leverage amidst the ongoing U.S.-mediated ceasefire negotiations and the volatile geopolitical climate following the early 2026 conflict with Iran.