Israeli opposition leader condemns strikes on Damascus

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on Syria’s capital, Damascus, calling it a reckless act that serves no strategic purpose.

In an interview with public broadcaster Kan, Lapid argued that attacking the presidential palace undermines the Syrian regime and jeopardises efforts by the United States and Europe to stabilise the country, Caliber.Az reports.

Lapid emphasised that while he believes Israel must take action to protect the Druze community in southern Syria, military strikes targeting the regime are not the right approach. He stated that helping the Druze population—particularly in the embattled city of Suwayda—is a moral obligation, but warned that attacking Damascus sends the wrong message to the region.

"The Middle East is watching and understanding that we believe the laws do not apply to us," he said, expressing concern over the broader implications of the strike. Lapid stressed that Israeli intervention should be focused strictly on preventing violence against the Druze minority.

The remarks come amid a surge in violence in southern Syria. Clashes erupted between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin groups near Suwayda between July 11 and 13, following the abduction of a Druze trader. Syrian government forces moved in to enforce a ceasefire but reportedly escalated the situation, leading to civilian casualties and accusations of siding with Bedouin factions against Druze residents.

A fragile ceasefire was announced around July 15–16 after talks between Druze leaders and Syria’s Interior Ministry. However, sporadic fighting has persisted, with some Druze factions rejecting the truce.

On July 15–16, Israel conducted airstrikes near Suwayda and Damascus, targeting Syrian military convoys and government buildings. Tel Aviv said the strikes were intended to "defend the Druze community and prevent Islamist elements from gaining ground near the Golan Heights."

In response to the escalating situation, Syria announced that it would withdraw army units from Suwayda and hand over local security responsibilities to community leaders. The move followed US-mediated efforts to de-escalate the crisis and restore calm in the region. 

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on July 17 in a televised address that security responsibility in Suwayda would transfer to religious elders and local factions “based on the supreme national interest”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that more than 350 people have been killed since the fighting began.

By Sabina Mammadli