Syrian territory bombed by Israeli air raids following disturbances in Damascus capital
Title: Deterrent Strikes Amid Druze Unrest: Syria and Israel's Continuous Conflict
In the start of May 2025, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria took a concerning turn, with Israel escalating its military operations in Syria, particularly in Druze-populated areas. The mark of these actions was a series of significant air strikes across Syria, with aims largely in response to threats against southern Syrian Druze communities from jihadist militias[1][3][4].
Recent attacks on the Druze community have prompted both military action and humanitarian aid from Israel, aiming to protect this vulnerable sect[3]. The violence has led to a tense atmosphere, with both parties trading threats.
Israel's Prime Minister and Defense Minister referred to the air strikes as a "warning operation"[5], while the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, urged international action to "protect minorities in Syria" from "the regime and its terrorist gangs"[5]. On the other hand, Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani warned against foreign intervention, stating that internal issues should be resolved through dialogue among communities[5].
The Syrian President has met with Lebanon's Druze leader in Damascus, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation[6]. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as international concern grows due to Israeli actions, particularly amid the second year of genocide in Gaza[5].
The UN Security Council has addressed the situation, with a senior official condemning Israel's actions, stating they threaten Syria's fragile political transition and calling for respect for Syria's sovereignty[7]. However, the Israeli representative emphasized that their actions are guided by security concerns, highlighting the need to prevent threats from Iranian-backed groups[7].
Furthermore, Turkish fighter jets have been patrolling the Syria-Turkey border, issuing warning signals to Israeli aircraft and implementing electronic jamming measures to deter Israeli military activities[4].
The volatile situation is further complicated by the dynamics within Syria itself. The new Syrian regime under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is viewed with skepticism by some, who consider it untrustworthy and aligned with jihadist groups[3]. This perception exacerbates tensions, especially in regions like southern Syria, where Druze communities are caught between the Syrian regime's influence and Israeli military interventions.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the regional and international communities will closely monitor the developments and responses. The risk of further escalation remains high, and the protection and safety of minorities like the Druze remain a critical concern.
[1] Syrian Observatory for Human Rights[2] Reuters[3] Al Jazeera[4] The Jerusalem Post[5] Syrian president meets Lebanon's Druze leader in Damascus amid tensions[6] READ: Syrian president meets Lebanon's Druze leader in Damascus amid tensions[7] UN chief 'condemns' Israeli attacks violating Syria's sovereignty
- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria, particularly in Druze-populated areas, took a worrying turn with Israel's escalation of military operations in May 2025.
- These operations were marked by a series of significant air strikes across Syria, aimed largely in response to threats against southern Syrian Druze communities from jihadist militias.
- Recent attacks on the Druze community have led to Israel taking military action and providing humanitarian aid to protect this vulnerable sect.
- The violence has resulted in a tense atmosphere with both parties trading threats.
- Israel's Prime Minister and Defense Minister referred to the air strikes as a "warning operation," while the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, urged international action to "protect minorities in Syria" from "the regime and its terrorist gangs."
- Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, on the other hand, warned against foreign intervention, stating that internal issues should be resolved through dialogue among communities.
- The Syrian President has met with Lebanon's Druze leader in Damascus, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation.
- Tensions remain high as international concern grows due to Israeli actions, particularly amid the second year of genocide in Gaza.
- The UN Security Council has addressed the situation, with a senior official condemning Israel's actions and calling for respect for Syria's sovereignty.
- However, the Israeli representative emphasized that their actions are guided by security concerns, highlighting the need to prevent threats from Iranian-backed groups.
- Turkish fighter jets have been patrolling the Syria-Turkey border, issuing warning signals to Israeli aircraft and implementing electronic jamming measures to deter Israeli military activities.
- The new Syrian regime under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is viewed with skepticism by some, who consider it untrustworthy and aligned with jihadist groups, exacerbating tensions, especially in regions like southern Syria.
- As the situation continues to unfold, both the regional and international communities will closely monitor the developments and responses, with the risk of further escalation and the protection and safety of minorities like the Druze remaining a critical concern.
