Israel has launched a series of air strikes targeting locations around Damascus, Syria, in what it calls a response to unrest involving the country’s Druze minority.
The strikes reportedly killed several civilians, including Druze residents, and have sparked international concern over the escalating regional conflict.
The airstrikes came after violent clashes earlier this week in the Druze-populated neighborhoods of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana, triggered by a leaked audio message allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad. The violence left at least 16 people dead, including security forces, and stirred fears of growing sectarian tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as a “warning operation,” asserting they were meant to protect the Druze community in Syria. Katz warned that if harm to Druze civilians continues, Israel will “respond very harshly.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also called for international action to defend Syria’s minorities.
Syria condemned the strikes as illegal violations of its sovereignty. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized that Syria’s internal conflicts should be resolved through local dialogue, not foreign military intervention. Syrian authorities said calm has been restored through negotiations with local Druze leaders and announced a ceasefire in the affected areas, along with a plan to disarm militias.
The Syrian government blamed “outlaws” for provoking sectarian unrest and reaffirmed that all citizens, including the Druze, are equal under Syrian law.
The strikes are the latest in a growing number of Israeli attacks on Syrian territory since February, despite Syria not posing any direct military threat to Israel. The situation has intensified further following the collapse of the Assad government in December and Israel’s subsequent declaration that the 1974 disengagement agreement is no longer valid—leading to the occupation of the former demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights.
These developments come amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and growing international alarm over Tel Aviv’s actions across multiple fronts, particularly under the justification of “protecting minorities.” The broader regional picture now includes both rising tensions in Syria and continued devastation in Gaza, raising fears of a wider conflict.