The Druze Forum for Israel has appealed to IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi preserve unity and not to order Druze soldiers to expel Jews from the Hevron Peace House, which he referred to as a political decision.

Druze Forum chairman Mandee Safdie wrote, "The duty of IDF soldiers is to protect Israeli citizens from enemies and not to carry out political decisions of the government,  and I hope that you will be determined…to prevent the [mis]use of your position…because the IDF is likely to lose its lofty status as the army of the people."
The duty of IDF soldiers is to protect Israeli citizens from enemies and not to carry out political decisions.

Safdie stated that the commander-in-chief must safeguard the high values of the IDF and to retain it as "a model to youth to copy." He recalled his youth, when he proudly showed respect and honor for the IDF and the country as Druze men served in the army.

The Druze community in Israel numbers nearly 120,000 and is a separate religious entity. It is rooted in Arab culture but fought alongside Jews instead of joining Arab enemies during the re-establishment of the modern State of Israel.

The Druze leader wrote Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi, "In order to prevent hostility that is liable to develop Heaven forbid over expulsions from the Peace House in Hevron, we appeal to you in the name of Druze IDF soldiers, in the name of all Druze who have served from the beginning of the country and in the name of all the Druze community that sends 94.6 percent of its sons to serve under your command…."

He expressed fears that an IDF order to Druze soldiers to carry out the government expulsion will cause a deep division. Safdie appealed to the Chief of Staff "for the sake of Druze who continue to serve the country in faith and determination.

"IDF soldiers of the Druze community are known as brave soldiers and among the best of IDF fighters with high motivation and devotion to their tasks," he wrote. "They have proved their worth…against cruel enemies on all fronts and even before the establishment of the State of Israel in defending Jewish communities where we chose to fight on the side of the just.

"There is close blood between Druze and Jews dating back from the time of the Druze prophet Yithro…. The fateful friendship and togetherness between Druze and Jews is felt closely day by day."

Safdie asked Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi to prevent opening a severe gap between members of this covenant. He said that Jewish residents of Hevron tuned to him to help "make it clear that if brothers quarrel, it should remain within the family, but that when cousins fight, it is liable to become hostile. I find myself in agreement with the Jews of Hevron."