While the Knesset debates the new Golan referendum law, the Druze community of the Golan are concerned about their status. In an interview with Arutz 7 newsradio, Dr. David Bukai, Professor of Middle East Studies at Haifa University said that many fear life under Syria and prefer being Israeli. Syria controlled the Golan Heights from 1948-1967 and has often demanded control of the region.
The Druze are sometimes considered ethnically Arab but have a separate religion. There are several Druze Knesset Members including Ayoub Kara (Likud), Majali Whbee( Kadima) and Said Naffaa (Balad).