Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace in Damascus Amid Sectarian Unrest

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Israel launched an early morning airstrike Friday near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus, targeting an area close to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s residence on Mount Qasyoun.

Israeli officials stated the move was aimed at halting Syrian troop movements and protecting Druze communities amid growing sectarian violence. No injuries were reported, though Syrian sources confirmed the missile landed about 100 meters from the palace fence.

This is Israel’s most direct strike since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the action also serves as a deterrent against regional threats.

The Syrian presidency condemned the strike as a serious provocation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Razan Saffour criticized the timing and questioned Israel’s motives.

Recent violence in Sweida province and Damascus suburbs, sparked by an offensive audio clip, has left over two dozen dead in clashes between Sunni and Druze groups.

Druze and Syrian officials met Thursday in Sweida, jointly rejecting any move toward autonomy. Community elder Sheikh Laith al-Balous stated on national TV: “Syria is our homeland.”

Israel vowed to prevent any military buildup near its borders and hinted at a possible demilitarized zone. In the Golan Heights, home to 24,000 Druze, calls for Israeli support are increasing. Netanyahu urged Druze citizens not to act independently inside Syria.