Israel launches attacks close to Damascus' presidential palace; Syrian authorities express concern over potential escalation

Title: Israel-Syria Tensions Soar Over Syrian Druze: A Timeline

Friday, May 2, saw Israel bombing surrounding areas of the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, under the guise of retaliation for the escalating violence that had affected Syria's Druze community. The Israeli army announced the air strikes through a message on Telegram.

Also read | Article reserviced for our subscribers, In Syria, Communal Violence Fears Over Druze Cities Near Damascus

On April 28, the Druze community's leader, backed by the Israeli government, accused Syria's newly appointed president, Ahmed Al-Charaa, of "genocide," demanding an immediate intervention by international forces, following alleged sectarian clashes that left over 100 dead. Israel had earlier threatened to retaliate "with force" if necessary.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister, Israel Katz, issued a clear message to the Syrian regime, stating, "We will not allow forces [Syrian] to be deployed south of Damascus or threaten the Druze community in any way."

Syria's presidency denounced the Israeli air strike as a "dangerous escalation" against the institutions and sovereignty of the state, calling on the international community to support Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported four Druze fighters killed in a farm in Kanaker, though it remained unclear who was responsible.

This latest violence follows earlier clashes this week in Jaramana and Sahnaya, as well as Sweida, a city with a majority Druze population. In March, massacres that took place mostly targeting the Alawite minority had raised fears of similar violence. Ongoing clashes between Druze fighters and armed groups linked to the Sunni power of President Ahmed Al-Charaa highlight persistent instability in Syria, months after the overthrow of his predecessor, Bashar Al-Assad, who was a member of the Alawite minority.

Israel had already conducted strikes in the region of Sahnaya, on April 28, labeled a "warning action" against an "extremist group preparing to attack the Druze population of Sahnaya." If attacks against the Druze resumed and the Syrian regime failed to prevent them, Israel threatened to respond with significant force.

The United Nations called for restraint amid escalating tensions. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, denounced the strike and called on Israel to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence. The U.S., France, Germany, and various other international entities have expressed concerns over the growing violence in Syria, urging all parties to exercise restraint.

The Druze community, a minority within Shia Islam, has a historical and familial connection to Israel's 150,000-strong Druze population, explaining Israel's deep commitment to their protection. Reportedly, tensions between Israel and Syria intensified as the Druze community in Syria rejected any "division" of the country, considering themselves an "inseparable part" of Syria.

The Israeli army announced that they conducted air strikes on Thursday, targeting surrounding areas of the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, in response to the ongoing violence against the Druze community and Syria's alleged threat to the Druze community.
The Syrian presidency denounced the Israeli air strike as a dangerous escalation, calling on the international community to support Syria, as the Druze community's leader, backed by the Israeli government, accused Syria's newly appointed president of genocide.
Israel's Prime Minister and Defense Minister vowed to prevent Syrian forces from being deployed south of Damascus or threatening the Druze community, highlighting the deep commitment of Israel to the protection of the Druze community due to their historical and familial connection.
The ongoing clashes between Druze fighters and armed groups linked to Syria's president, Ahmed Al-Charaa, underscore the inseparable nature of the Druze community in Syria and their connection to Israel's Druze population, amid the backdrop of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news.