Israel on Wednesday targeted areas near the Syrian Presidential Palace, military headquarters, and the Defence Ministry establishment in Damascus.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that they are conducting operations in response to the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria, following the collapse of a local ceasefire.
The IDF posted on X, “The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria. The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is striking in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios.”
⭕️The IDF struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters in the area of Damascus in Syria.
The IDF continues to monitor developments and the regime's actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria. In accordance with directives from the political echelon,… pic.twitter.com/WSyBFrCiog---Advertisement---— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 16, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X, “My brothers, Druze citizens of Israel, the situation in Suwayda, the situation in southwestern Syria, is very serious. The IDF is operating, the Air Force is operating, other forces are operating. We are working to save our Druze brothers and to eliminate the regime’s gangs. And now I have one request of you: You are citizens of Israel. Do not cross the border.You are putting your lives at risk; you could be killed, you could be kidnapped, and you are hindering the IDF’s efforts. Therefore, I ask you—return to your homes, let the IDF operate.”
אחיי אזרחי ישראל הדרוזים, המצב בסווידא, המצב בדרום-מערב סוריה, הוא חמור מאוד.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) July 16, 2025
צה"ל פועל, חיל האוויר פועל, כוחות אחרים פועלים. אנחנו פועלים כדי להציל את אחינו הדרוזים וכדי לחסל את כנופיות המשטר.
ועכשיו יש לי בקשה אחת מכם: אתם אזרחי ישראל. אל תעברו את הגבול.
אתם מסכנים את חייכם;… pic.twitter.com/3C6mAJSB4V
At least 248 people have been reported killed in several days of ethnic violence between the Druze and Bedouins. Government forces loyal to interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa are viewed as siding with the Sunni Bedouins, as reported by TPS.
Earlier, Israeli Druze breached the border near the Syrian village of Khader to help their brethren.
As per a report by TPS, dozens of Israeli Druze breached the Syrian border in the Golan Heights on Wednesday in an urgent bid to defend their kin amid what community leaders describe as a “brutal massacre” of Druze civilians in southern Syria.
The spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, accused the Israeli government and military of failing to uphold their commitments to protect Druze civilians across the border, according to TPS. It quoted Tarif, who said, “Innocent civilians – women, children and the elderly are being murdered in cold blood… This is not a clash between Druze and Bedouins — it’s between the Druze and ISIS.”
In response, the IDF has rushed reinforcements to the border and is bracing for additional breaches and protests, and has requested more police support.
