Israel launched direct strikes on areas near the presidential palace, the Syrian’s military headquarters and the defence ministry in a high-profile escalation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike was carried out in response to the Syrian regime’s actions against Druze civilians in southern Syria, where fighting has intensified following the collapse of a local ceasefire.
The IDF confirmed it is conducting ongoing strikes in the area “in accordance with directives from the political echelon” and said it remains on alert as tensions continue to rise along the northern frontier.
Israeli military action in Damascus- one dead
The Israeli army stated that the strike targeted military infrastructure near the Syrian Defense Ministry , part of a broader campaign to disrupt regime convoys and deter threats near Israel’s northern border. Tel Aviv said the airstrike was aimed at “protecting the Druze population” amid the resurgence of fighting in Sweida province.
The Syrian state TV reported was quoted by AFP saying Israel's military had "struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters".
"A short while ago, the IDF struck the entrance gate of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters compound in the Damascus area of Syria," said the Israeli War Room in a post on X. "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is carrying out strikes in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," it added.
Later, the Israeli military was also reported to have targeted the Presidential Palace, according to an army statement, quoted by AFP. "A military target in the area of the Syrian regime's Presidential Palace in Damascus was struck," it added.
Witnesses told AFP they heard an explosion in the area of the palace, a high-security compound located on a hill overlooking the capital where Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa receives visitors.
A 51-year-old Damascus resident, requesting anonymity due to the security situation, said she was on her balcony trying to see the aftermath of the strikes near the army headquarters when she "heard an explosion and saw smoke rising near the Presidential Palace".
Syria's health ministry claimed that the series of strikes targeting the army and defence ministry headquarters killed one person and wounded another 18.
Israeli army is reportedly redeploying troops from Gaza to the Syrian border, according to a military official.
The airstrikes also struck a Syrian state TV building in central Damascus late Wednesday, disrupting a live television broadcast. A video of the attack went viral, showing a news anchor running off the screen as explosions hit the building.
Read more: Live broadcast disrupted as Israeli strike hits Damascus TV building; anchor runs off
This follows multiple Israeli air operations recently, as tensions rise over alleged involvement of Islamist militants in the region and fears of spillover into Israeli territory.
Netanyahu's warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Druze not to attempt crossing into Syria after dozens moved across the armistice line in both directions following deadly fighting in the Druze heartland.
"Do not cross the border," Netanyahu said, warning of a "very serious" situation in Sweida, where the Islamist-led government intervened in deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters.
Also Read: Divided EU weighs action against Israel over Gaza war
Additionally, Israel's Defence minister Israel Katz warned Syria it would strike the country hard following deadly clashes that saw government forces align with Bedouin fighters against the Druze. "The signals to Damascus are over -- now come the painful blows," and promised that the Israeli military would "operate forcefully" in Syria's southern Sweida region "to eliminate the forces that attacked the Druze until their full withdrawal," said Katz as quoted by AFP.
US expresses concern
Washington is talking with both Israel and Syria after Israelis bombed the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus, the top US diplomat said Wednesday, expressing concern about the attack.
"We're talking to both sides, all the relevant sides on this and hopefully we can bring it to a conclusion, but we're very concerned," said US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
Ceasefire collapse sparks renewed clashes in Sweida
In Sweida, a fragile ceasefire between Syrian government forces and local Druze militias broke down, triggering intense street battles and renewed shelling. Syria’s Defense Ministry accused armed factions of breaching the truce and announced the resumption of military operations to "restore stability" and ensure civilian safety.
The breakdown of peace efforts has raised alarms about the risk of prolonged sectarian conflict, particularly in a province that had previously remained relatively insulated from much of the civil war.
Background: Syria’s new leadership faces growing unrest
The flare-up follows the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in a surprise rebel offensive last December, which effectively ended a nearly 14-year civil war. A new Sunni-majority leadership now governs Syria but faces persistent resistance from minority groups and former regime loyalists.
The Druze community, a religious minority with deep roots in southern Syria, has emerged as a flashpoint in the country’s fragile post-war landscape. Internal divisions have surfaced over their future under the new regime, with some pushing for autonomy.
Casualties mount as violence spreads
What began as tit-for-tat abductions between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze factions has spiraled into a wider conflict. Security forces have reportedly engaged in extrajudicial killings and widespread looting, with several homes torched in retaliatory raids.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 250 fatalities so far, including 21 individuals allegedly executed in the field. Both government troops and armed militias have been accused of committing abuses against civilians, as reported by AP.
Israel vows continued strikes unless Syrian forces withdraw
Israel has hardened its stance against the new Syrian regime, citing the presence of hostile Islamist groups near its border. Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier declared that Israeli forces would sustain airstrikes "until regime troops are removed from the area."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced Israel's strategic objective of maintaining a demilitarized buffer zone, reiterating the state’s commitment to defending the Druze population in Syria.
Druze remain caught in the crossfire
The Druze, an esoteric religious sect with communities across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, are increasingly divided over how to navigate the shifting political dynamics. While some support integration under the new government, others advocate for a self-governed Druze region.
The escalating violence in Sweida has exposed those divisions and placed the Druze at the center of a volatile regional equation, with major implications for Syrian sovereignty and Israeli security.
The IDF confirmed it is conducting ongoing strikes in the area “in accordance with directives from the political echelon” and said it remains on alert as tensions continue to rise along the northern frontier.
Huge explosions were seen in Damascus as Israel bombed Syria’s defence ministry during a live Al Jazeera broadcast nearby. pic.twitter.com/Fe7N6xH02I
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 16, 2025
Israeli military action in Damascus- one dead
The Israeli army stated that the strike targeted military infrastructure near the Syrian Defense Ministry , part of a broader campaign to disrupt regime convoys and deter threats near Israel’s northern border. Tel Aviv said the airstrike was aimed at “protecting the Druze population” amid the resurgence of fighting in Sweida province.
The Syrian state TV reported was quoted by AFP saying Israel's military had "struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters".
"A short while ago, the IDF struck the entrance gate of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters compound in the Damascus area of Syria," said the Israeli War Room in a post on X. "In accordance with directives from the political echelon, the IDF is carrying out strikes in the area and remains prepared for various scenarios," it added.
Later, the Israeli military was also reported to have targeted the Presidential Palace, according to an army statement, quoted by AFP. "A military target in the area of the Syrian regime's Presidential Palace in Damascus was struck," it added.
Witnesses told AFP they heard an explosion in the area of the palace, a high-security compound located on a hill overlooking the capital where Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa receives visitors.
A 51-year-old Damascus resident, requesting anonymity due to the security situation, said she was on her balcony trying to see the aftermath of the strikes near the army headquarters when she "heard an explosion and saw smoke rising near the Presidential Palace".
Syria's health ministry claimed that the series of strikes targeting the army and defence ministry headquarters killed one person and wounded another 18.
Israeli army is reportedly redeploying troops from Gaza to the Syrian border, according to a military official.
The airstrikes also struck a Syrian state TV building in central Damascus late Wednesday, disrupting a live television broadcast. A video of the attack went viral, showing a news anchor running off the screen as explosions hit the building.
Read more: Live broadcast disrupted as Israeli strike hits Damascus TV building; anchor runs off
This follows multiple Israeli air operations recently, as tensions rise over alleged involvement of Islamist militants in the region and fears of spillover into Israeli territory.
Netanyahu's warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Druze not to attempt crossing into Syria after dozens moved across the armistice line in both directions following deadly fighting in the Druze heartland.
"Do not cross the border," Netanyahu said, warning of a "very serious" situation in Sweida, where the Islamist-led government intervened in deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin fighters.
Also Read: Divided EU weighs action against Israel over Gaza war
Additionally, Israel's Defence minister Israel Katz warned Syria it would strike the country hard following deadly clashes that saw government forces align with Bedouin fighters against the Druze. "The signals to Damascus are over -- now come the painful blows," and promised that the Israeli military would "operate forcefully" in Syria's southern Sweida region "to eliminate the forces that attacked the Druze until their full withdrawal," said Katz as quoted by AFP.
US expresses concern
Washington is talking with both Israel and Syria after Israelis bombed the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus, the top US diplomat said Wednesday, expressing concern about the attack.
"We're talking to both sides, all the relevant sides on this and hopefully we can bring it to a conclusion, but we're very concerned," said US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
Ceasefire collapse sparks renewed clashes in Sweida
In Sweida, a fragile ceasefire between Syrian government forces and local Druze militias broke down, triggering intense street battles and renewed shelling. Syria’s Defense Ministry accused armed factions of breaching the truce and announced the resumption of military operations to "restore stability" and ensure civilian safety.
The breakdown of peace efforts has raised alarms about the risk of prolonged sectarian conflict, particularly in a province that had previously remained relatively insulated from much of the civil war.
Background: Syria’s new leadership faces growing unrest
The flare-up follows the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in a surprise rebel offensive last December, which effectively ended a nearly 14-year civil war. A new Sunni-majority leadership now governs Syria but faces persistent resistance from minority groups and former regime loyalists.
The Druze community, a religious minority with deep roots in southern Syria, has emerged as a flashpoint in the country’s fragile post-war landscape. Internal divisions have surfaced over their future under the new regime, with some pushing for autonomy.
Casualties mount as violence spreads
What began as tit-for-tat abductions between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze factions has spiraled into a wider conflict. Security forces have reportedly engaged in extrajudicial killings and widespread looting, with several homes torched in retaliatory raids.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 250 fatalities so far, including 21 individuals allegedly executed in the field. Both government troops and armed militias have been accused of committing abuses against civilians, as reported by AP.
Israel vows continued strikes unless Syrian forces withdraw
Israel has hardened its stance against the new Syrian regime, citing the presence of hostile Islamist groups near its border. Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier declared that Israeli forces would sustain airstrikes "until regime troops are removed from the area."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced Israel's strategic objective of maintaining a demilitarized buffer zone, reiterating the state’s commitment to defending the Druze population in Syria.
Druze remain caught in the crossfire
The Druze, an esoteric religious sect with communities across Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, are increasingly divided over how to navigate the shifting political dynamics. While some support integration under the new government, others advocate for a self-governed Druze region.
The escalating violence in Sweida has exposed those divisions and placed the Druze at the center of a volatile regional equation, with major implications for Syrian sovereignty and Israeli security.
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