Israel launches airstrikes near Syria presidential palace in Damascus
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Israel Strikes Near Syrian Palace Amid Druze Clashes
Above: Syrian security forces deploy a large number of soldiers, heavy weapons and tanks to the Jaramane neighborhood in Damascus, Syria on April 30, 2025. Image copyright: Bakr Al Kasem/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The Druze community has been loyal to Israel, with many serving in its military, and deserves protection from sectarian violence. Israel cannot allow jihadist forces with roots in al-Qaeda to threaten regional stability or persecute minorities, especially given the new Syrian regime's failure to prevent previous massacres of other minority groups.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel's military actions in Syria constitute illegal aggression and a violation of Syrian sovereignty under the pretext of protecting minorities. Israeli strikes are part of a broader strategy to keep Syria weak following Assad's overthrow. Rather than helping the situation, foreign intervention undermines the new government's efforts to establish stability.