Israel launched a series of heavy airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, destroying part of Syria’s defence ministry and striking close to the presidential palace, in a dramatic escalation aimed at halting government assaults on the Druze population in southern Syria.
The strikes came amid growing violence in the Druze-majority city of Sweida, where deadly clashes have broken out between Druze fighters and government forces as well as Bedouin tribes. Despite improving relations between interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Washington, and evolving security contacts with Israel, Jerusalem has accused Syria’s Islamist-led government of allowing attacks on the Druze minority to go unchecked.
Describing the country’s new rulers as “barely disguised jihadists”, Israel vowed to prevent any further military mobilisation into the south and to shield the Druze community, a move encouraged by calls from Israel’s own Druze minority.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared: “The Israeli military would continue to operate vigorously in Sweida to destroy the forces that attacked the Druze until they withdraw completely.”
The strikes mark a sharp shift in Israeli policy towards Damascus. A senior Israeli military official confirmed that warplanes had targeted the entrance of Syria’s military headquarters and a second location near the presidential palace.
Syrian medical sources said at least five members of the security forces were killed in the strikes. Reuters journalists reported hearing jets flying low over the capital, followed by massive explosions. Smoke was seen rising from the shattered remnants of the defence ministry, with debris littering the area.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the situation “complicated” but attributed it to a “misunderstanding”, expressing hope that tensions could de-escalate within hours.
Fighting in and around Sweida has intensified throughout the week, with reports of scores of fatalities. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said 169 people had died so far, while security sources cited a toll of 300. Reuters has not been able to verify either figure independently.
The Syrian government deployed troops to the area on Monday to quell the unrest, but instead found themselves battling Druze militias. Footage and witness accounts from Tuesday showed government forces looting homes, torching properties, and stealing vehicles and furniture in Sweida. A grieving resident showed a Reuters reporter the body of his brother, shot in the head inside their family home.
Late on Wednesday, the interior ministry announced that a ceasefire had been agreed with Druze leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou. But another senior Druze cleric, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajari, rejected the truce, insisting the fighting should continue until Sweida is “entirely liberated”. A previous ceasefire attempt on Tuesday had already collapsed.
Inside Sweida, residents said they were hiding in fear. “We are surrounded and we hear the fighters screaming … we’re so scared,” one man told Reuters by phone, asking not to be named. “We’re trying to keep the children quiet so that no one can hear us,” he added, as gunfire and explosions echoed in the background.
In response to calls from inside Israel to help the embattled Druze community, dozens of Israeli Druze citizens reportedly breached the border fence on Wednesday to join their brethren in Syria. The Israeli military confirmed it was working to return them safely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged calm, stating that the military was “working to save the Druze” and called on Israeli Druze not to cross into Syrian territory.
The conflict places additional pressure on President Sharaa, who is attempting to restore national unity following deep-rooted distrust among groups fearing Islamist domination. Tensions have been worsened by the massacre of Alawite civilians in March.
US Syria envoy Tom Barrack condemned the violence and called for restraint: “All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators need to be held accountable.”
Syrian officials, meanwhile, said those behind the unrest in Sweida would face justice. “The government is committed to protecting the rights of the people in Sweida,” read a statement issued on Wednesday.
Despite the mounting crisis, Sharaa has continued to vow that his government would safeguard minority communities.
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