by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israel launched a warning airstrike near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus overnight, responding to attacks on Druze villages in southern Syria. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike, which targeted an open area, was a message to Damascus not to threaten the Druze community.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz called it “a clear message to the Syrian regime,” warning that Israel would not allow forces to threaten Druze areas south of Damascus.
The Syrian presidency condemned the strike as a “dangerous escalation,” accusing Israel of trying to destabilize the country. President Ahmad al-Sharaa said the attack was part of a broader effort to weaken national unity.
The escalation follows deadly sectarian clashes in Suwayda province, where Druze villages were shelled by extremist groups. In response, hundreds of Israeli Druze protested, blocked highways, and called on the government to act. Druze IDF reservists also volunteered to support their community.
Netanyahu spoke with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, who thanked him for taking decisive action. Both leaders emphasized the Druze community’s commitment to law and order in Israel.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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