Israel launches warning strike near Damascus presidential palace After Druze Protests

Hours after protests erupted in northern Israel over reported massacres of Druze communities in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed an Israeli Air Force strike near the presidential palace in Damascus.

In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz said, “This is a clear message to the Syrian regime: We will not allow forces to descend from south of Damascus and pose a threat to the Druze community,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

According to the statement, the strike did not target a specific military facility but rather an open area near the palace, which has been described as a warning shot or a “knock on the roof” tactic. Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese broadcaster Al-Manar released footage it claims shows the aftermath, with smoke rising and sirens sounding in the area.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Spokesperson later confirmed that fighter jets had struck “in the vicinity of the palace of Ahmad Hussein al-Sharaa in Damascus”, clarifying that the site was not a military target.

Smoke was seen rising from the area near the palace following the strike. Simultaneously, Druze villages in the southern al-Suwayda Governorate – Lubin, Haran, and Jarin – reportedly came under prolonged attack during the night. Local witnesses claimed they returned fire.

Local factions in al-Suwayda repelled a broader assault, alleging that the attackers launched shellfire at the villages. The Syrian government, however, continues to claim that the groups targeting Druze communities are “unlawful groups unaffiliated with the Ministry of Defence or the security apparatus.”

In the face of growing international condemnation, Syrian Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa wrote on Facebook: “Syria is a homeland that embraces all. Citizenship is equal in rights and responsibilities, which unites us. We must strive for an inclusive national dialogue that transcends divisions, rejects incitement and hatred, and is grounded in truth to counter misinformation.”

On May 1, hundreds of Israeli Druze protested across major northern roads, calling for military intervention in Syria to protect their relatives. Demonstrators lit fires at key junctions, leading to severe traffic disruptions and clashes with motorists. Protesters chanted, “We’ll sacrifice our lives for al-Suwayda.”

Shortly after midnight, hundreds gathered near Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea, demanding he fulfil his promise to provide aid.

Major roadways, including Highways 6, 85, 65 and 90, were blocked at junctions such as Elyakim, Amiad, Kfar Vradim, Eilabun, Kabri, Rama, Tzalmon and Ein Tut. Police announced the reopening of Highway 6 at the Elyakim interchange at 23:20, following hours of closure.

At the same time, hundreds of Druze reservists began organising grassroots protests and expressing frustration in closed groups over what they perceive as Israel’s inaction in halting jihadist attacks on Syrian Druze communities.

A letter of protest was also sent after midnight to Netanyahu and senior officials, including Defence Minister Katz and Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif. The letter, from the Association of Discharged Druze Soldiers and Reservists, stated: “Hundreds of Druze fighters are ready to volunteer and fight alongside our brothers to save them – even at the cost of risking our lives.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev