In a significant escalation, Israel conducted strikes in Damascus, targeting sites near the Syrian Presidential Palace, military headquarters, and the Defence Ministry. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) cited the Syrian regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria as the reason, following the failure of a local ceasefire. The IDF confirmed its strike on the entrance of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters in the Damascus area via social media, and its commitment to monitor the ongoing events. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Israeli Druze citizens to refrain from crossing the border into Syria. He stated that the IDF was working to protect Druze people and eliminate regime forces. The conflict has reportedly led to at least 248 deaths due to the ongoing ethnic violence. Earlier, Israeli Druze individuals breached the border near Khader to support their kin. Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, condemned the Israeli government and military for failing to protect Druze civilians across the border. The IDF has responded by reinforcing its presence at the border, anticipating further attempts to cross and possible protests.
