Despite Ceasefire Promises, Israel Carries Out New Strikes in Southern Syria

Israeli warplanes carried out four airstrikes in southern Syria early on Wednesday, July 16th, targeting three locations in the province of Al-Suwayda and the 52nd Brigade in the eastern countryside of Daraa, despite an earlier Israeli commitment to halt attacks in the region.

The Israeli aircraft flew over southern Syrian airspace following the strikes.

This escalation comes despite Channel 12 reporting, citing a US official, that Washington had asked Tel Aviv to stop attacks on Syrian army positions in the south, and that the Israeli government had effectively pledged to halt operations on Tuesday evening.

Axios, an American news site, also reported that an official in President Donald Trump's administration stated that Israel had informed Washington of its intention to cease attacks, as journalist Barak Ravid announced on Axios, indicating that the Israeli commitment did not last long.

US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Braddock expressed his country's concern over the recent escalation, stating on Axios that Washington is actively working with all Syrian parties to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire. He noted that the recent clashes in Al-Suwayda are worrisome, and Washington is seeking a balanced solution involving the Druze, Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government, and Israeli forces.

Braddock considered poor coordination and communication as the biggest challenges, affirming that the US administration is engaging in active and direct dialogues with all relevant parties.

On the ground, Syrian government forces deployed in the predominantly Druze city of Al-Suwayda, following two days of intense clashes on Sunday between Druze fighters and armed members of local Bedouin tribes, resulting in dozens of casualties.

These clashes prompted Syrian authorities to send reinforcements to the city to restore control and impose security.

In a move to contain the escalation, the Syrian Ministry of Defense announced yesterday, Tuesday, reaching an agreement for a ceasefire following intensive contacts between official authorities and dignitaries from Al-Suwayda. The agreement was followed by an official announcement of the Syrian army's entry into the city, which had been under the quasi-autonomous administration of the Druze community for some time.

Meanwhile, Israel continued to target Syrian army positions in the south since Monday, with Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stating on Axios: "The Israeli strikes were a clear message and warning... We will not allow mistreatment of the Druze in Syria."

Druze spiritual bodies issued statements urging local fighters to surrender their weapons and avoid confrontation with the Syrian army in an attempt to prevent further escalation and chaos in the city.

Al-Suwayda, with a population of around 150,000, has been living in a precarious security situation for years and is one of the few areas in Syria that remained outside direct control of the central government until recent developments.