U.S. Voids Support for Israeli Strikes Amid Syria Turmoil
On Thursday, the United States publicly condemned Israel’s recent military actions in Syria, signaling a clear stance against the escalating tensions in the region. The remarks came on the heels of striking accusations from Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who characterized Israel’s actions as an attempt to destabilize his nation and made a commitment to safeguard Syria’s Druze minority, a prominent group in the region.
The situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday when Israel launched airstrikes targeting Damascus, sending shockwaves through the nation. These strikes not only damaged parts of Syria’s defense ministry but also occurred near the presidential palace. The Israeli government justified their actions by calling for the withdrawal of Syrian government forces from the southern regions, emphasizing their interest in protecting the Druze—an influential faction with members residing in both Lebanon and Israel.
Reports from the Syrian state news agency later indicated that another strike occurred in Sweida, a region that has recently witnessed severe unrest. As the airstrikes unfolded, conflict erupted between Druze fighters and government troops, resulting in numerous fatalities and significant distress within the local population.
Speaking on behalf of the State Department, spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressed dismay at the ongoing violence. “We condemn the violence perpetuated in Syria and believe in engaging with all parties involved,” she stated, urging the Syrian government to take the necessary steps toward stabilization. “The United States does not support recent Israeli strikes,” Bruce emphasized, although she refrained from commenting on whether Washington would back future Israeli military actions.
Reflecting on the present crisis, Bruce elucidated, “We’ve been very clear about our displeasure—particularly the President’s concern—and we are working diligently to halt any escalation.” This statement reinforced the multifaceted challenges faced by interim President Sharaa as he strives to stabilize Syria amidst warming relations with the United States and evolving security contacts with Israel.
Notably, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan asserted on Friday that there had been an attempt to “sabotage the ceasefire achieved yesterday with our contributions.” Erdogan boldly stated that Israel has consistently demonstrated a reluctance toward peace and stability in both Gaza and Syria, accusing them of exploiting the Druze community as a façade for their military actions.
A collective statement was made by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Turkey, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Egypt, affirming their commitment to Syria’s “security, unity, stability, and sovereignty.” They condemned foreign interference, underlining the vital need for implementing agreements aimed at safeguarding Syria’s integrity.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also remarked that engagements with all parties had taken place, with steps agreed upon to end what he termed a “troubling and horrifying situation.” The picture became clearer when government troops began to withdraw from Sweida following previous clashes, suggesting a potential path toward de-escalation.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment, noting, “De-escalation seems to be continuing in Syria.” With an eye on the evolving situation, she highlighted the importance of monitoring developments closely.
In a speech directed at the Syrian populace, Sharaa credited mediation efforts by the U.S., Arab countries, and Turkey for steering “the region from what could have been an uncertain fate.” However, he criticized Israel for seeking to undermine national unity, stating that the country has always targeted Syria’s stability since the downfall of the previous regime. Could it be that Sharaa’s hopes for stability are continually undermined by external forces?
The United Nations Security Council convened on Thursday to address the ramifications of Israel’s strikes. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia voiced the need to prevent both “external and internal players” from exploiting Syria’s fragile state, warning against stirring ethnic or religious tensions.
Historically, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes across Syria during the regime of the former president, Bashar al-Assad. However, the frequency of such attacks has escalated this year, with Israel announcing its intention to prevent the new Syrian leadership—often described as barely disguised jihadists—from bellicose maneuvers near its borders.
Sharaa, who once led an al-Qaeda faction, vowed that protecting the rights of Druze citizens remains a priority. “We reject any attempts to drag them into the hands of external parties,” he said resolutely. Gripping testimonies reveal that the Syrian Network for Human Rights documented a staggering 254 fatalities in just four days of clashes, underscoring the dire human cost of this ongoing conflict.
One resident, merely identified as Amer for safety, provided a chilling account of finding his neighbors dead in their home. The juxtaposition of human faces against the grim backdrop of violence paints a harrowing portrait of the realities on the ground.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated the necessity for a policy focused on the demilitarization of territories near the border, stating, “This is a ceasefire achieved through strength.” His remarks underscore Israel’s commitment to defending the Druze while also illuminating the precarious balance of power in the region.
As tensions continue to simmer, it remains critical for leaders in the region to navigate a complex landscape where self-interest often collides with humanitarian needs. How can lasting peace be fostered amid such tumult? Are the aspirations for unity too distant amidst the prevailing dissonance?
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the calls for reflection, dialogue, and understanding may represent the first step toward a more harmonious future.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
