Israel targets “operatives” close to Syrian presidential palace in clear warning to Transitional Government to stop violence against the Druze

JERUSALEM-DARAMSUQ – The Israeli Airforce (IAF) this morning hit targets only a couple of hundreds of meters away from the palace of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG). The IAF General Staff stated on platform-X that it had struck operatives near Daramsuq (Damascus) who had attacked Druze civilians. It also instructed the Israeli Defense Forces to prepare “to strike targets belonging to the Syrian regime should the violence against Druze communities continue,” in a clear warning Israel will not allow further escalation of violence against the Druze.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his country’s pledge to come to the rescue of the Druze. On Friday morning he and Defense Minister Katz said in a joint statement; “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.” Earlier this week Israel also carried out airstrikes on the outskirts of the Syrian capital.  

Israel has been increasingly active in its neighboring country since the fall of the former Ba’ath regime, strengthened its position in the neighboring Golan Heights, and destroyed much of the military equipment of the former regime in multiple IDF air strikes.  

Violence between the STG, with its affiliated Sunni militias, and the Druze community has escalated in recent days, particularly in mainly Druze areas in and around the capital Daramsuq, i.e. in Jaramana and Sahnaya. Reports of agreements to end the violence are contradictory and the Druze community itself does not seem to be united. Druze spiritual leader in Syria Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri called for international intervention yesterday. Israel seems to have answered his call this morning.