Fri May 02 05:46:32 UTC 2025: ## Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace After Druze Violence

**DAMASCUS, SYRIA** – Israel launched a second air strike near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, escalating its involvement in the ongoing sectarian conflict. The attack follows a week of intense violence between pro-government forces and Druze fighters that has left over 100 dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strike was a direct response to the Syrian government’s failure to protect its Druze minority, asserting that Israel will not tolerate threats to the community.

The Israeli military action has been condemned by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who called for national unity and warned against foreign intervention. He characterized external involvement as counterproductive to stability. However, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the Druze spiritual leader, has described the violence as a “genocidal campaign” and called for international intervention. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed this sentiment, urging the international community to protect Syria’s minorities.

The recent violence represents a significant challenge to the transitional government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. The escalating situation follows a March massacre of over 1,700 Alawites – the same ethnic group as Assad – by security forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Israel, which has long viewed the Syrian government with suspicion, has increased its support for the Druze community, who have historically maintained close ties with Israel, with many serving in the Israeli military. The current crisis underscores the deep-seated sectarian tensions and fragility of Syria’s post-Assad political landscape.

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