Israeli fighter jets launched an airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus early Friday, a move Israel’s leaders claim sends a decisive message to Syria following a recent surge of sectarian violence. The strikes come as more than 100 individuals have perished in clashes between Syrian government forces and militants from the Druse minority. The Druse, who practice a religion rooted in Islam, maintain close connections with those residing in Israel. This is the second instance of Israeli intervention since the violence escalated earlier this week.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement, emphasizing, “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow a movement of forces from south of Damascus and any danger to the Druse community.” The Israeli military confirmed that its warplanes targeted the vicinity of the palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara in Damascus. Al-Shara, a former Al Qaeda affiliate, now positions himself as a statesman, although Israeli leaders remain cautious.
The Syrian government has yet to comment on the attack, but social media has documented smoke over Damascus following the strike. The specifics of the damage remain unclear. By Thursday night, Syrian officials had begun negotiations with Druse leaders to quell the unrest. Druse leaders in Sweida, previously hesitant to align with government forces, are now more open to cooperation.
Israel has proposed protection for the Druse in Syria should their safety be threatened amid the ongoing power shifts within the country. Israel’s efforts to strengthen ties with Syrian Druse communities continue, although some Druse reject foreign intervention. Meanwhile, Druse in Israel have demanded action, with protestors blocking highways on Thursday. Some members of the Druse community in Israel serve in the military, fueling the demand for Israel’s intervention.
The Israeli military announced the evacuation of two injured Syrian Druse for medical treatment in Israel and confirmed its readiness to counter hostile forces threatening Druse villages. Defense Minister Katz warned of severe consequences if attacks on the Druse community continue, holding Syrian leadership accountable for their protection.
On Wednesday, Israel targeted Syria with airstrikes, threatening further action against government forces if the clashes between pro-government and Druse militants persisted. The Israeli military accused operatives of attacking Druse civilians near Damascus.
This recent wave of violence ignited on Tuesday, following an audio clip allegedly from a Druse cleric insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Despite the cleric’s denial and Syria’s Interior Ministry’s dismissal of his involvement, Sunni extremist groups launched attacks on Druse-populated areas like Jaramana. Druse militias responded, and government forces moved to control the situation. By Thursday, fighting had spread to more regions.
A statement from five key Druse leaders on Thursday night expressed readiness to collaborate with the government. They urged for civic protection forces and agreed to secure routes between Sweida and the capital. The U.S. State Department has condemned the violence, urging Syria to end sectarian conflict and ensure justice.
With over a million Druse in the Middle East—primarily in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel—the community actively participates in civic life while maintaining its unique cultural identity. The situation remains tense as regional dynamics continue to evolve.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/world/middleeast/israel-syria-druse-strikes.html
Category : Damascus (Syria),Druse (Sect),War and Armed Conflicts,Sunni Muslims
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-02 10:20:00
