Israel Sends 'Message' to Syria with Airstrike Near Presidential Palace

Early on Friday, Israel launched a missile strike near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, signaling heightened hostility toward the Assad regime and a firm stance in support of Syria's Druze community. The strike targeted an area “adjacent” to President Bashar al-Assad’s ally, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, amid ongoing tensions and recent clashes between Druze and Sunni groups around Damascus and the southern province of Sweida. Israel’s government framed the attack as a “message” to Syria to prevent forces from deploying south of Damascus and to protect the Druze minority, which has faced violence and sectarian conflict.

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This escalation follows days of violence and Israeli warnings after clashes that resulted in casualties and increased insecurity in Druze-populated areas. Regional and international efforts, including local community talks in Sweida, aim to de-escalate tensions, but fears of sectarian violence and regional instability persist. Israel’s actions reflect its broader strategy of maintaining pressure on Syria’s regime while supporting minority communities like the Druze in the region.