Overview

• The IDF struck the entrance gate of Syria’s Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus as part of a rare direct attack on regime command structures
• Israel said it launched the strike in response to government forces’ abuses against Druze civilians after a ceasefire in Sweida collapsed, leaving over 248 killed
• Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to continue air raids until Syrian troops pull back from Druze areas and warned of heightened responses if the message is ignored
• Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli publicly labeled President Ahmed al-Sharaa a “terrorist” and urged his elimination, further escalating diplomatic tensions
• Sectarian clashes between government units, Bedouin fighters and Druze militias persist in Sweida, with ceasefire efforts faltering and civilian casualties mounting