A group of around 100 senior figures from Syria's Druze are expected to visit the Israeli Golan Heights on Friday, in a further sign of Israel's support for the minority group. The Druze, an Arab minority present in Syria, Israel and Lebanon, practice a faith that originated in Islam but which has a distinct identity. This week Defense Minister Israel Katz said Druze from across the separation line would be allowed to enter the Golan Heights for work and even that Israel would be ready to defend the community, following days of violence in Syria.