Israel launched a military strike near Syria’s presidential palace on Friday, aiming to send a warning message to the country’s Islamist-led authorities about protecting its minority Druze population.
The strike in Damascus came after a series of clashes between Sunni Muslim and Druze gunmen, triggered by an insult to Prophet Mohammed. The violence has raised fears among minorities about the new government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the bombing was meant to prevent hostile forces from returning to areas around Druze villages. They also evacuated five Syrian-Druze citizens for medical treatment in Israel.
The Syrian government condemned the strike, calling it a “dangerous escalation.” However, some opposition parties expressed support for Israel’s actions, saying they would not abandon the Druze in Syria.
The strike follows increased military operations by Israel in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. It has framed its stance around protecting the Druze minority and preventing the return of hostile forces to areas around their villages.
Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is seen as a key figure in this situation, given his ties to extremist groups in the past. The Israeli military said it was targeting him and his government, warning them not to deploy forces south of Damascus or threaten the Druze community.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-attacks-target-near-syrian-presidential-palace-netanyahu-says-2025-05-02