Israel Threatens Further Strikes on Syrian Government and Military Sites
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israel has threatened to carry out additional airstrikes targeting both military and government-affiliated sites in Syria, signaling a sharp escalation in regional tensions following recent violence in Druze-majority areas.
According to a report broadcast by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) on Friday, the Israeli military is poised to launch new attacks on selected targets across Syria. These include sites under the control of the transitional Syrian government, as well as military installations believed to be involved in recent unrest in regions with significant Druze populations, including Suwayda, Jaramana, and Sahnaya.
The Israeli government has positioned the possible strikes as a warning to Damascus. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both approved the targeting plans, which aim to deter further actions against Druze civilians.
“These strikes are intended as a clear message to the Syrian leadership,” the report quoted an Israeli official as saying. “Any retaliation against the Druze population will be met with severe military consequences.”
The latest developments come less than 24 hours after the Israeli Air Force struck a location near the presidential palace in Damascus. That strike, which occurred early Friday morning, was seen as a significant provocation and prompted swift condemnation from the Syrian government, the Arab League, and several Arab nations.
While Israel did not officially confirm its role in the operation, multiple Israeli officials have reiterated their country’s “red lines” concerning threats to the Druze community, many of whom share religious and familial ties with Israeli citizens.
Tensions have spiked in southern Syria after days of unrest in Druze-majority areas. Reports of violent clashes between local groups and Syrian state security forces have resulted in dozens of casualties. The Syrian government has described the groups involved as “outlaws,” while some local sources suggest the clashes were sparked by grievances over governance and discrimination.
Israeli officials have cited these developments as justification for intervention, describing the unrest as a humanitarian concern for the Druze minority. However, regional analysts note that the Israeli government’s rhetoric may also be motivated by broader strategic interests, including containing Iranian influence and deterring any military buildup near its borders.
In response to the Israeli statements and reported plans for further strikes, the Syrian Presidency issued a firm denunciation, calling the threats “a blatant breach of international law and a dangerous escalation against Syrian sovereignty.”
“The Israeli aggression, supported by false pretexts, is a continuation of policies aimed at weakening the Syrian state,” the statement read. “These actions will only strengthen our determination to protect national unity and territorial integrity.”
The Arab League and several member states have already condemned the recent Israeli strike near the presidential palace. On Friday, the League called the action a “flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty,” urging the UN Security Council to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation.
The U.S. State Department also weighed in, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce criticizing “incitement against the Druze” and calling for protection of all civilians in Syria. However, Washington has not commented directly on the Israeli airstrikes.