IDF Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Escalating Sectarian Violence

Israel conducted overnight airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, describing the action as a warning to the Syrian regime amid escalating sectarian violence targeting the Druze community. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the strikes were meant to deter Syrian forces from threatening Druze populations around Damascus. The Israeli government responded after calls from both its own Druze citizens and Syrian Druze leaders for intervention to protect Druze villages from attacks by jihadist and Sunni groups. The strikes follow a series of violent clashes between Druze and Sunnis in Syria, which have left dozens dead, and Israel has vowed to prevent hostile elements from infiltrating Druze areas. U.S. officials condemned the violence against Druze civilians and called for restraint. Some Druze leaders in Israel have demanded even stronger action, including potential ground intervention, to ensure the safety of their co-religionists across the border.