The Israeli military initiated strikes in Damascus on Wednesday, focusing on locations close to the Syrian Presidential Palace, military command, and the Defence Ministry. The IDF declared that the operations were a direct response to the Syrian regime’s conduct against Druze civilians in southern Syria, which came after a local ceasefire broke down. The IDF posted an update on X confirming the strike on the entrance of the Syrian military headquarters in the Damascus area, and its ongoing observation of the situation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on X, expressing concern for the Druze citizens of Israel and urging them not to cross the border into Syria. He emphasized that the IDF was working to protect the Druze and eliminate the regime’s ‘gangs’. Reports indicate that at least 248 fatalities have resulted from recent ethnic clashes between Druze and Bedouins. Israeli Druze previously crossed the border near Khader to aid their community members. Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, criticized the government and military, stating that they have not met their obligations to protect Druze civilians across the border. The IDF has deployed additional resources to the border, preparing for more border breaches and potential demonstrations.
IDF Targets Damascus After Syrian Regime Attacks Druze: Netanyahu Appeals to Israeli Druze
