Damascus, Syria — In a significant escalation of military operations, Israel targeted an area near the presidential palace in Damascus, underscoring its commitment to protect the Druze community. This action, confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comes just one day after an earlier strike and highlights ongoing tensions in a region fraught with sectarian violence.
The Druze, a religious minority with adherents in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, have recently found themselves caught in violent conflicts with Sunni gunmen. Netanyahu’s government has taken a definitive stance, asserting that it will not tolerate threats to Druze communities, particularly in light of a recent surge in violence. The prime minister emphasized Israel’s resolve to guard the Druze, saying, “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime: We will not allow any threats to the Druze community.”
The Israeli military confirmed that the operations were conducted near the palace of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, but did not disclose specific targets. Syrian authorities have yet to respond officially to the strikes, leaving questions about the potential repercussions and further Israeli actions in the region.
Israel’s military actions are driven by a profound mistrust of Sunni Islamist factions that have gained momentum since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December. This has led to a greater Israeli influence in the southwest of Syria, where it has actively sought to undermine the capabilities of the Syrian army. The country’s military has reportedly destroyed significant arms stockpiles belonging to Syrian forces in a bid to weaken potential threats.
Al-Sharaa, who transitioned from being an Al-Qaeda commander to a political figure, has promised an inclusive governance approach amidst the backdrop of escalating sectarian discord. However, recent violence, including the deaths of multiple Alawites and the widespread unrest sparked by a controversial voice recording, has intensified fears among minority communities regarding the rising power of Sunni militants.
The recent violence erupted in Jaramana, a city predominantly inhabited by Druze, and was ignited by sectarian tensions following the circulation of a recording deemed offensive to the Prophet Mohammad. Clashes were reported to have resulted in several deaths, and unrest quickly spread to nearby areas such as Sahnaya, further exacerbating the instability in the region.
In light of these developments, Israel continues to navigate a complex landscape, where military strikes are one tool among many in its strategy to maintain security and influence in a volatile neighborhood. The government’s relentless focus on protecting minority groups like the Druze reveals both a humanitarian concern and a calculated response to a dangerous shift in regional power dynamics. As the situation evolves, both local and international actors will be closely watching the implications of Israel’s actions for the future of Syria and the broader region.