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Israel launches retaliatory airstrikes in southern Syria
Israel confirmed overnight airstrikes on Syrian military infrastructure, targeting a command center and weapons storage sites. The operation followed what Israel described as attacks on Druze civilians in Syria's Suweida province.
Israeli military justifies strikes as protective measure
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strikes were a response to threats against the Druze population in Syria. In a statement, the IDF declared it would "not tolerate harm" toward the Druze and vowed to continue defending them.
"The IDF will not tolerate harm towards the Druze population in Syria and will continue to operate to defend them."
Israel Defense Forces
Syria condemns strikes as violation of sovereignty
Syria's foreign ministry denounced the airstrikes as a "flagrant assault" on its territorial integrity, dismissing Israel's justification as "flimsy pretexts." The ministry accused Israel of escalating tensions to destabilize Syria under the guise of protecting civilians.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of stronger retaliation if the Syrian government continued to "exploit" the regional conflict to target Druze communities. "We will strike with even greater force if necessary," he said.
Unrest in Suweida fuels regional tensions
Clashes in Suweida, a predominantly Druze province, intensified after Druze militiamen attempted to enter government-held areas. A UK-based monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported mortar fire in Druze-controlled zones, followed by shelling in residential neighborhoods, sparking panic.
Syrian authorities offered a different narrative, claiming security forces dismantled a criminal network involved in car theft and drug trafficking, arresting nine suspects.
Broader conflict risks remain limited, analysts say
While Syria has largely stayed on the sidelines of the wider Middle East conflict, analysts suggest the latest escalation stems from internal dynamics rather than regional war expansion. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has emphasized avoiding entanglement in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
"We are calculating our steps with extreme precision and working to keep Syria away from any conflict."
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
Historical context of Druze-Israel ties
The Druze, a religious minority with communities in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Golan Heights, follow an offshoot of Shia Islam. Israel, home to a significant Druze population, has previously conducted strikes in Syria under the pretext of protecting the community.
