Israel ramped up its military actions yesterday by launching airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus. The attacks reportedly damaged a compound associated with Syria's Defense Ministry and struck near the presidential palace, according to both Israeli and Syrian officials. This escalation comes in the wake of recent violent clashes in Sweida, a region in southern Syria significant to the Druse minority. Israel has vowed to protect this community, prompting warnings that it may escalate its attacks if Syrian forces do not withdraw from the area.
Shortly after the strikes, Syrian authorities announced that a cease-fire had been brokered with local leaders in Sweida. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that that despite international diplomatic efforts, Israeli strikes did not cease as night fell, leading to additional strikes on military positions around Damascus.
Israel's intervention in southern Syria is influenced by two main factors: the desire to prevent Iranian-supported militias and extremist groups from establishing themselves close to its border, and the need to reassure its own Druse minority, who have historically had a close relationship with the Israeli government.
