Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Military Amid Rising Violence Against Druze Minority

Israeli forces executed an airstrike on Wednesday that targeted the entrance to the Syrian General Staff compound in Damascus. This action was taken in response to growing concerns over escalating violence against the Druze minority in southern Syria. According to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, the military's response aligns with directives from political leadership, and they remain vigilant in facing various potential scenarios. Syrian state media, Al-Ekhbariya, reported that the airstrike resulted in injuries to two civilians, describing the incident as Israeli aggression directed at central Damascus. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the government of Ahmed al-Sharaa, asserting that it has been perpetrating hostile actions against minority groups, particularly the Druze. He characterized this regime as unelected and questioned the international community's patience regarding the ongoing situation. Saar stated, "Israel's interests in this country are well known—to maintain the current situation and to ensure that the southern part of Syria does not pose a threat." Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee indicated that the IDF has decided to reinforce the presence of forces near the security fence along the border with Syria, emphasizing Israel's commitment to preventing any military threats from emerging in the south. In addition to the airstrikes in Damascus, Israeli forces also targeted military positions in Syria's Sweida province, where clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes have intensified, leading to numerous casualties. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz conveyed a stern message to the Syrian government's forces, urging their withdrawal from Sweida and demanding that they refrain from harassing the Druze community: "The Syrian regime must pull back and leave the Druze community in Sweida alone." He underscored Israel's resolve not to abandon the Druze in Syria, committing to enforcing a disarmament policy that has been approved. Recent days in Sweida province have seen a dramatic escalation in tensions, culminating in open conflict. Armed confrontations between Druze and Bedouin groups have resulted in at least 30 fatalities, highlighting the fragile security conditions in the region. The Druze community, which originated from a split in Ismaili Shiism in the 10th century, predominantly resides in Sweida and certain suburbs of Damascus, including Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. Throughout Syria's protracted civil war, Druze factions have established their own militias and have managed to largely self-govern. While many within the Druze community express reluctance for Israeli intervention, there remains a level of distrust towards the current administration in Damascus among some factions of the minority. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2