Israel conducted a strike near the presidential palace in Syria’s capital, Damascus, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early on Friday. Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding members of the Druze community. This marks the second time in two days that Israel has targeted Syria, following through on its pledge to defend the minority group that was involved in previous clashes against Sunni Islamists.
The Druze, who follow a religion stemming from Islam, have followers in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. This latest strike highlights Israel’s deep-seated mistrust of the Sunni Islamists who overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, further complicating efforts by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to establish control over the fractured nation.
Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military struck the area near the Palace of Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in Damascus, warning the Syrian regime not to deploy forces south of Damascus or pose a threat to the Druze community. The Syrian authorities have yet to comment on the attack.
Since Assad’s ousting in December, Israel has seized territory in the southwest, vowed to protect the Druze, and has targeted much of the Syrian army’s heavy weapons. Additionally, this week saw the continuation of sectarian violence, sparked by an incident in which Sunni militiamen suspected Druze involvement in a voice recording believed to be cursing the Prophet Mohammad. The violence has led to fears among minority groups regarding the now dominant Islamists, despite assurances from President Ahmed al-Sharaa of inclusive governance.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/02/israel-launches-airstrikes-near-syria-presidential-palace-in-damascus
