Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Sectarian Violence Against Druze Community
Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near Syria's presidential palace, citing the need to protect the Druze community amidst escalating sectarian clashes.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get Started
The strikes reflect Israel’s deep mistrust of the Sunni Islamists who toppled Bashar al-Assad in December, posing a further challenge to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to establish control over the fractured nation.
Israel attacks target near Syrian presidential palace, Netanyahu says
NBC News·1d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Analysts in Israel say the strategy aims to undermine the new Syrian government while also protecting and so co-opting a potential proxy ally within the country.
Israel launches airstrikes near Syrian presidential palace in Damascus
The Guardian·1d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The violence erupted in Jaramana on Monday night after an audio clip of a man insulting the Prophet Muhammad circulated on social media and angered Sunni Muslims.
Israel says it struck near Syria palace over violence in Druze areas
BBC News·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The sectarian violence poses one of the most serious challenges yet to the government of al-Sharaa, who led a coalition of rebel groups to overthrow Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Israel strikes near Syria’s presidential palace, issues warning over Druze
Al Jazeera·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Attacking an area close to the presidential palace appears to send a strong warning to Syria’s new leadership that is mostly made up of Islamist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Israeli military strikes near Syria's presidential palace after warning over sectarian attacks
Associated Press·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
In response to violence against the Druze minority in Syria, Israeli airstrikes were conducted near the presidential palace in Damascus, emphasizing Israel's commitment to supporting the Druze. Israeli leaders warned against any threats to the Druze community, condemning recent violence that left over 100 people dead, including clashes between Druze and pro-government forces. The situation escalated after a derogatory audio clip circulated on social media, igniting sectarian tensions. The Druze community reaffirmed their commitment to a unified Syria, rejecting calls for separation amidst pressure from both the Syrian government and external forces.
Perspectives
Israel has conducted airstrikes near Syria's presidential palace as a warning to the Syrian government against threatening the Druze community amid ongoing sectarian violence.
The Israeli leadership emphasizes their commitment to protect the Druze minority, which has faced violence and discrimination in Syria, as tensions rise with the newly installed regime.
The conflict has been exacerbated by internal sectarian strife and a recent incident involving derogatory remarks about the prophet Muhammad, prompting unrest between Druze and Sunni groups.