Overview

• The Israel Defense Forces struck the entrance gate of Syria’s military headquarters in Damascus on July 16, marking a deep incursion into the capital.
• Air raids on Sweida resumed after a fragile ceasefire between Druze militias and Syrian government forces collapsed, leaving scores dead.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered immediate operations against regime convoys and arms deployments near Druze communities.
• Israel reinforced troop deployments along the Golan Heights buffer zone and increased aerial reconnaissance over southern Syria.
• Syria’s Defense Ministry said its forces were responding to sources of fire in Sweida under strict engagement rules to protect residents and facilitate their safe return.