Israel Conducts Airstrike Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Rising Tensions
Tel Aviv/Damascus, May 2 – Israel has confirmed carrying out an airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The strike, conducted early Friday morning, was aimed at sending a direct message to the Syrian regime regarding the deployment of forces near southern Damascus and perceived threats to the Druze community.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Israel would not tolerate any military movements that could endanger the Druze population. “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow forces to be sent south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community,” the statement read.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also confirmed the strike, stating that fighter jets targeted an area adjacent to President Ahmed Hussein al-Shara’s palace in Damascus. Syrian pro-government media reported that the attack occurred near the People’s Palace, which overlooks the capital.
The airstrike follows days of violent clashes between pro-government forces and Druze fighters near Damascus, resulting in numerous casualties. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, the Druze spiritual leader, condemned the violence, describing it as a “genocidal campaign” against his community. The US State Department also weighed in, calling the attacks on the Druze population “reprehensible and unacceptable”.
As tensions continue to rise, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns over further escalation in the region.
