Israel increased its role in the ongoing Syrian conflict by carrying out multiple airstrikes that directly hit the Syrian Defense Ministry in Damascus. This attack, which had not happened before and reportedly caused injuries, shows a major change in Israel’s stance toward the new Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
As reported by the Washington Post, the strikes happened at the same time as new sectarian violence in southern Syria, especially near the city of Sweida, where fighting has continued for days between the Druze religious minority and Bedouin tribes. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted the “struck the entrance of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters” and claimed that Israel would keep “to monitor developments and the regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria.”
Syrian state media also reported at least two more Israeli airstrikes in Sweida on Wednesday. This recent escalation comes after earlier Israeli warnings to the Syrian government to stop its actions against the Druze, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa said, “Any party responsible for these acts, whether individuals or outlaw organizations, will be held accountable under strict legal procedures, and we will not allow them to go unpunished.”
Syria reels from being bombed by Israel
The new Syrian government, formed in March 2025 under President Ahmed al-Sharaa (who was once the leader of a group linked to al-Qaeda), has dealt with immediate challenges. This president replaced the last one who fled, but has been dealing with the ongoing violence in Sweida on top of other issues.
Panic in Syria as Israel delivers post-Assad freedom pic.twitter.com/RzD3j3EgnR
— COMBATE |(@upholdreality) July 16, 2025
Syrian troops had moved toward Sweida to try to restore security, but a ceasefire announced early Tuesday quickly fell apart. Reports of Syrian government troops mistreating or humiliating Druze residents have spread widely, leading President al-Sharaa to admit that “violations” were “criminal and illegal behavior” and to promise consequences.
Thomas Barrack, the Trump administration’s Syria envoy, has been working to mediate between Israel and Syria to reduce tensions. On Wednesday, Barrack criticized the violence against civilians in Sweida and urged all sides to engage in real talks while calling for those responsible for the violence to face justice. Despite his continued efforts, the direct Israeli strikes on Damascus show a sharp rise in hostility and a more open conflict between Israel and Syria’s new leadership.
