Israel Strikes Near Syria’s Presidential Palace
Damascus (Quds News Network)- Israel’s military has launched air strikes near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus early on Friday, the second of its kind by Israel this week.
“This is a clear message to the Syrian regime: We will not allow [Syrian] forces to deploy south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community,” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz shortly after the attack.
A Syrian official told Reuters the target was about 100 metres (330 feet) east of the palace’s perimeter.
The statement and attacks were widely viewed as a blatant interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
Syrian authorities condemned the recent attacks. Israel’s actions stirred criticism for interfering in Syria’s internal affairs. Its military said it continues to monitor developments closely. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered troops to prepare for further strikes.
Druze spiritual leader in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, called on Israel to interfere. However, a delegation of Syrian Druze leaders from Suwayda, including religious sheikhs and the governor, arrived in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya to help ease tensions.
The Syrian Interior Ministry urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors and report any armed activity.
More than 100 people were killed this week during fighting between pro-government forces and Druze fighters in Syria, according to Al Jazeera.
