Damascus reels under fresh Israeli bombardment as critics denounce Tel Aviv’s deepening interference in regional conflicts.
In yet another blatant act of aggression, Israeli warplanes struck Syria’s Ministry of Defence in central Damascus on Wednesday, flattening four floors of the building and leaving at least three people dead and 34 others injured. Syrian officials called it a “direct attack on national sovereignty,” accusing Israel of exploiting Syria’s internal unrest to pursue its regional agenda.
This marked Israel’s first strike on Damascus since May and comes amid intense clashes in southern Syria, particularly Suweida, where Syrian government forces have been battling Druze fighters. While Israel claims its military actions are in defense of the Druze minority, many within the community have rejected this as a manipulative move designed to sow division and discredit their legitimate grievances.
The Israeli military admitted responsibility for the Damascus strike, stating it was a warning to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa over his handling of Suweida. But analysts argue the real message was meant for Iran and Hezbollah, part of Israel’s long-running shadow war that routinely violates the airspace and sovereignty of Syria under the guise of “self-defense.”.
Tel Aviv also carried out drone attacks and bombed Syrian tanks, reportedly killing more soldiers on the ground. These strikes are being seen as part of a broader campaign to prevent Syria from asserting its authority near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a policy rooted more in fear and expansionism than in security.
Legal experts and regional observers have condemned the strikes as a flagrant violation of international law. “Targeting a sovereign state’s defense ministry is nothing short of an act of war,” said a Beirut-based analyst. “Israel is not only destabilizing Syria but also attempting to redraw the rules of engagement in the region.”
Despite its justification based on “security concerns,” Israel’s actions have been widely perceived as opportunistic intervention, capitalizing on Syria’s internal strife to advance Tel Aviv’s strategic interests.
As the death toll rises, many are asking: How long will the world allow Israel to bomb neighboring countries without consequence? ST
