The United States has confirmed that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire following rising tensions and reported clashes involving Druze and Bedouin communities near the Golan Heights region. While the ceasefire may offer temporary relief, questions remain around Israel’s recent airstrike on Damascus.
So, why did Tel Aviv carry out the bombing?
According to official and media sources, Israel launched the airstrike targeting what it claimed were Iranian-linked military installations in Damascus. The move was part of a broader Israeli strategy aimed at curbing Iran’s military presence in Syria, which Tel Aviv sees as a direct security threat. Israeli defense officials argue that Iran is using Syria as a base to supply weapons to Hezbollah and other proxy groups.
The airstrike came amid growing unrest in southern Syria, where reports suggested violence between the Druze and Bedouin communities. This domestic instability, along with cross-border concerns, may have prompted Israel to act swiftly.
While Syria condemned the bombing and called it a violation of its sovereignty, the Israeli government has remained tight-lipped, as it typically does regarding military operations. The U.S., meanwhile, has called for restraint from both sides and confirmed that the ceasefire is in place.
Such flare-ups underscore the fragile nature of peace in the region. With multiple actors involved — from Syrian government forces to Iran-backed militias and local communities — the chances of further escalation remain if long-term solutions aren’t prioritized.