Israel attacked a site near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus early on Friday, as it described as a warning to the country’s new Islamist-backed government against incitement against the Druze minority. The strike, reported by Israel to hit land close to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s residence, occurs as tensions within the region and sectarian unrest increase.
Syria’s government condemned the attack as a “dangerous escalation,” and officials confirmed that the target was about 100 metres from the palace. The Israeli military claimed that the operation was carried out to prevent hostile forces from reaching Druze-populated areas in southern Syria. Five wounded Syrian-Druze were evacuated to Israel for treatment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz stated the strike sent a “clear message” to Damascus and reinforced Israel’s resolve to defend Druze communities. The move follows a string of Israeli military strikes in Syria since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Syrian tensions have intensified in recent days following violent confrontations along sectarian lines close to Damascus, claiming more than two dozen lives. The violence began as a reaction to an audio tape said to blaspheme against the Prophet Mohammed. Israel launched a “warning strike” last week that also killed one of Syria’s security personnel.
Despite allegations of support by Israel, Syrian Druze officials in the south Sweida province have rejected outside interference. “We don’t need anyone to protect us,” said Sheikh Laith al-Balous, and Syria remains home to them.
Once conflict spread to Sweida, coming back displaced locals testified to loot. Meanwhile, Druze residents in Israel and the Golan Heights called on the state to protect Syrian relatives, while others volunteered their assistance.
