Israel Conducts Airstrikes on Syrian Military Targets in Response to Sweida Unrest
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes targeting key Syrian government sites in Damascus, including the military headquarters, the Defense Ministry, and an area near the Presidential Palace. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that these actions were a response to violent acts by the Syrian regime against Druze civilians in Sweida province in southern Syria.
The IDF reported that their operations targeted military infrastructure and regime convoys that posed threats to Israel's northern border. An Israeli military spokesperson mentioned that the strikes were carried out "in accordance with directives from the political leadership" and emphasized that their forces were on high alert.
Eyewitnesses in Damascus noted explosions and smoke near the high-security Presidential Palace, the residence of Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. A local resident described watching the aftermath of an initial strike near army headquarters when a subsequent explosion occurred close to the palace. The Syrian Health Ministry confirmed one fatality and 18 injuries resulting from the strikes.
The strikes also impacted a state television complex in central Damascus, abruptly cutting short a live broadcast when the building was rocked by explosions, forcing the anchor to leave the screen. This footage has quickly gained attention online, highlighting the severity of the Israeli strikes.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes were intended to "protect the Druze population" amid renewed fighting in Sweida. Over the past week, deadly clashes have erupted between Druze fighters and Bedouin militias aligned with the Islamist-led government, following the collapse of a ceasefire. This violence has escalated into street battles and heavy shelling.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu advised Druze civilians not to cross into Syria, citing a "very serious" security situation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of more severe military actions, saying, "The signals to Damascus are over—now come the painful blows."
The United States has expressed concern about the Israeli airstrikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is in discussions with both Israel and Syria to seek de-escalation of the conflict. "We’re very concerned and are speaking to all relevant sides to bring this to a conclusion," Rubio stated.
The clashes follow months of increasing unrest in Syria after the unexpected removal of President Bashar al-Assad last December. The new Sunni-majority government has struggled to assert control, particularly in minority-dominated regions like Sweida. The Druze, a small religious community historically rooted in the area, has found itself increasingly caught in the conflict.
Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicate that over 250 people have died since the ceasefire's collapse, including at least 21 field executions. Human rights groups have accused both regime forces and local militias of abuses, such as extrajudicial killings and retaliatory arson attacks on homes.
Israel has pledged to continue its operations in Syria until all hostile regime forces withdraw from the border areas. Tel Aviv has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a buffer zone and preventing Islamist militants from establishing a presence near its territory.
As the conflict in southern Syria worsens, the future of the Druze community remains uncertain. With divisions emerging between those supporting integration into the new regime and others advocating for regional autonomy, the crisis risks further destabilizing an already volatile region.
