Syria could be in crisis following Israeli strikes on Damascus

Israeli warplanes struck Syrian military headquarters and near the presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday, as sectarian clashes in the southern part of the country quickly spiraled into a crisis for Syria’s new government.

Israel said it intervened to stop government attacks on the Druze, a religious minority community that spans the border between Israel and Syria. Syria has strongly condemned Israel for striking several government buildings in Damascus on Wednesday, calling the attacks on targets including its Ministry of Defense a “dangerous escalation.”

“This blatant attack, which comes within the context of a systematic policy pursued by the Israeli entity to ignite tension, create chaos, and undermine security and safety in Syria,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Syria said it will “reserve its full legitimate rights to defend its land and people by all means guaranteed by international law,” the statement added. The US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday said the Trump administration has engaged with all parties of the conflict to end the clashes in Syria.

“We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do,” Rubio said on X.

Israel’s actions have caused a potential political crisis in Syria, as the fledgling new government struggles to maintain control of the country. After years of civil war, Syria is now led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, but this new instability threatens al-Sharaa’s ability to continue to lead the country.

Israel has been in battles with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Lebanon and Syria in the aftermath of the October 7th terrorist attacks. While they have faced heavy criticism from many in the international community, Israel is committed to doing whatever is necessary to guarantee the safety of their nation.