The attack marked one of Israel’s most direct interventions in Syria since the outbreak of the Suwayda clashes. Footage showed four separate explosions at the Syrian military headquarters, followed by another near the palace. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that “the warnings in Damascus have ended” and warned of more “painful blows” unless Syrian troops withdrew from the south.

The Syrian government had announced a ceasefire in Suwayda, confirmed by Druze religious leaders, but it quickly collapsed amid renewed fighting. Syria’s Defence Ministry accused “unlawful groups” of violating the truce, while medical sources confirmed at least 70 dead and over 200 wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a total of 250 fatalities, including soldiers, women, children, and civilians allegedly executed in the field.

Druze Mobilization And Regional Implications

The airstrikes coincided with large gatherings of Israeli Druze near the Golan border, with some crossing into Syria to support their ethnic kin. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Druze community in Israel not to cross the fence, citing safety risks and potential disruption to military operations.

Reports suggest Israel’s actions may have been influenced by its cooperation with Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, a key Druze religious figure involved in the uprising. Israel’s demand for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria puts further pressure on Damascus, which faces the dilemma of either withdrawing from Suwayda or risking deeper foreign intervention.

Syria’s government condemned the Israeli strikes, as did several Arab states, accusing Tel Aviv of violating Syrian sovereignty. Meanwhile, the U.S. expressed concern over the sudden escalation, especially after its recent policy shift toward engaging with Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.