The Trump administration has taken a significant diplomatic step by requesting that Israel halt its military strikes on Syrian government targets and initiate direct negotiations with Damascus. This important development was conveyed by a senior U.S. official to Axios on Wednesday, stirring discussions about the broader implications for regional stability.
U.S. officials are expressing deep concern regarding the recent Israeli attacks, particularly those targeting military headquarters in Damascus and locations near the presidential palace. These actions could pose a risk to the newly established Syrian government, threatening to destabilize an already fragile situation. According to the U.S. official, the events of the past 48 hours could jeopardize the progress made toward a new security agreement between Israel and Syria, which is viewed as a crucial first step toward normalization of relations.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. administration's grave concerns over the Israeli strikes in Syria, reiterating a desire for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This statement highlights the U.S. commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.
In an effort to deescalate tensions, Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, held multiple discussions on Tuesday and Wednesday with Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. administration urged Israel to take a step back and consider a diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between Israel and Syria.
In the backdrop of these diplomatic discussions, violence has erupted in southern Syria, particularly in the city of Suwayda. Clashes between a Druze militia and a Bedouin gang have resulted in ongoing violence, exacerbated by the political chaos following the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad in December. The Syrian government's attempt to restore order by deploying tanks has prompted the Israeli air force to launch attacks on these military units, further escalating the situation.
Reports indicate that the Syrian government informed Israel in advance about the movement of tanks, asserting that their response was not aimed at Israel. However, Israeli officials contend that these tanks entered a demilitarized zone that Israel insists should remain free of heavy weaponry, raising tensions further. Over the last 24 hours, clashes have continued in Suwayda, involving the Druze, Bedouins, Syrian government-affiliated militias, and Syrian security forces, with the Syrian human rights observatory in London reporting at least 250 casualties.
In response to the violence, leaders of the Druze community in Israel have urged their government to intervene, alleging that militias connected to the Syrian government are perpetrating a massacre against Druze individuals in Suwayda. In a notable escalation, Israeli forces intensified strikes against Syrian government targets in southern Syria and Damascus late Tuesday and early Wednesday, citing the protection of the Druze minority as a key justification for their military actions.
Israeli officials maintain that their military operations aim to safeguard the Druze community in Syria, emphasizing a commitment to their well-being. They argue that the recent violence against the Druze warrants military action. However, the senior U.S. official noted that U.S. intelligence does not support claims of direct involvement by the Syrian government in the atrocities reported in Suwayda.
The U.S. official further revealed that Israel perceives the events in Suwayda as a direct threat to the Druze community, comparable to an October 7 incident. Additionally, domestic political pressures from the Druze community, which makes up about 2% of Israel's population, are influencing the Netanyahu government's response to the situation.
Despite the ongoing U.S. push for calm and diplomatic engagement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the deployment of reinforcements to the Syrian border to facilitate additional strikes and protect the Druze community. The IDF's statement underscores Israel's commitment to preventing any further violence against the Druze population in Syria.
