Israel Launches Airstrike Near Syrian Presidential Palace as Warning to New Leadership

On May 2, 2025, Israel carried out an airstrike close to Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attack as a clear warning to Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling Israel’s intent to protect the Druze minority.

The strike came after several days of sectarian violence between Sunni and Druze groups near Damascus and in the southern Sweida province, which left more than 20 people dead. Israel is particularly concerned about Sharaa’s Islamist leanings and the risks posed to the Druze, a community with members living in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Israel has stepped up its military activities in Syria. This includes deploying troops to southern areas and transporting injured Druze civilians to Israel for medical care.

Syrian officials denounced the airstrike, calling it a serious provocation. The strike reportedly hit just 100 meters from the palace. Some observers worry that Israel’s intervention could heighten instability in the region and question whether its motives are purely humanitarian.

Meanwhile, Druze leaders in Syria have pushed back against Israel’s involvement, insisting on their loyalty to a united Syria and saying they prefer to manage their security independently.