Israel strikes near Syrian presidential palace in defense of Druze minority

[MIDDLE EAST] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday that Israel carried out an airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting members of the Druze minority.

The pre-dawn attack reportedly hit a military facility used by Iranian-backed militias operating in the Syrian capital. While Syrian state media acknowledged the strike, it did not disclose any information regarding casualties or damage. The incident marks the latest in a series of Israeli operations aimed at curbing Iran’s growing presence in Syria—part of a long-standing strategy involving targeted airstrikes.

This strike was Israel’s second in Syria within a 48-hour span, coming on the heels of violent sectarian clashes earlier in the week between Druze villagers and Sunni militants in southern Syria. The flare-up resulted in multiple casualties and heightened concerns for the safety of the Druze, a community that has traditionally sought to navigate Syria’s conflict through cautious neutrality and local defense.

The Druze, an offshoot Islamic sect with communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, maintain a notable presence in northern Israel, where many serve in the Israeli military. Israel has long positioned itself as a protector of the Druze, viewing the group as a vulnerable minority facing mounting threats from extremist factions in Syria.

By publicly acknowledging the strike, Netanyahu appears to be sending a dual message—to adversaries across the region and to the Israeli public—framing the action as both a defensive measure and a reaffirmation of Israel’s regional policy objectives. Analysts interpret the move as an effort to underscore Israel’s support for minority groups while simultaneously countering Iranian entrenchment in Syria.

The timing of the strike coincides with rising regional tensions, including stalled nuclear talks with Iran and persistent unrest in southern Syria.

Thus far, the Syrian government has issued no official statement beyond initial state media coverage. While Damascus routinely denounces Israeli airstrikes as breaches of national sovereignty, its ability to respond militarily remains constrained by its reliance on Iranian and Russian backing and its weakened defense infrastructure.