Israeli fighter jets conducted a precision airstrike near the official residence of Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in the heart of Damascus, according to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Israeli government swiftly confirmed the strike. In a joint announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the operation’s strategic intent.
> “This strike sends a decisive warning to the Syrian regime — we will not tolerate the deployment of forces south of Damascus or any actions that endanger the Druze population,” said Netanyahu and Katz.
Israel Warns Syria Over Military Activity Near Border
The airstrike is being viewed as a clear message to Damascus over military build-up and threats near Israel’s northern border. Israeli intelligence has expressed growing concern about Iranian-backed forces operating in southern Syria, particularly close to the Golan Heights.
Protection of Druze Communities a Key Priority
Israel’s top leadership cited the safety of the Druze minority as a major factor in the decision to launch the strike. The Druze community, which resides in both Syria and Israel, has historically played a significant role in regional dynamics.
Regional Tensions Escalate Amid Broader Middle East Conflicts
This latest development adds to rising tensions in the Middle East, where Israel has ramped up its defensive and preemptive operations amid growing threats from Iranian proxies and Hezbollah forces across the region.
The international community has yet to respond officially, but analysts anticipate diplomatic reactions as the situation develops.
