Israel Launches Airstrikes on Syrian Military Vehicles in Al-Suwayda, Damascus Declares Ceasefire After Agreement with Local Leaders

The Israeli army launched a series of airstrikes targeting Syrian military vehicles in Al-Suwayda province in southern Syria on Tuesday, July 15, after monitoring military movements towards the area, according to the Israeli military spokesperson.

The Israeli strikes came on directives from the political leadership, as the Israeli army spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, stated in a statement on the "X" platform that "Israeli forces attacked several armored vehicles since last night, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and missile launchers, in addition to targeting roads to hinder reinforcements from reaching the area."

Adraee added: "The army continues to monitor developments and remains on alert to deal with various scenarios."

In a related context, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yuvall Katz issued a joint statement affirming that "Israel has instructed its army to attack Syrian regime forces and their weapons that entered Al-Suwayda immediately, to carry out operations against the Druze, which contradicts the agreed disarmament policy."

The statement added: "Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria, based on the fraternal alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel," emphasizing that "the goal is to prevent the Syrian regime from targeting the Druze and ensuring the disarmament of areas near the borders."

Meanwhile, the official Syrian news agency SANA reported that "Israeli occupation aircraft targeted the city of Al-Suwayda coinciding with the entry of government forces into it."

In a related development, Syrian Defense Minister Marwan Abu Qasara announced a "complete ceasefire in Al-Suwayda after an agreement with the city's leaders," confirming that "the army will begin withdrawing heavy vehicles and reducing its forces in the area."

SANA quoted Abu Qasara as saying: "Forces have been directed to secure the residents and protect the properties, and neighborhoods will be handed over to the internal security after being combed," indicating that "military police forces will be deployed to maintain security and hold violators accountable."

The Israeli escalation comes after days of intense clashes in Al-Suwayda between local factions and security forces, prompting the Syrian army to enter the city to impose security, a move Israel considered a threat to the Druze minority.

Druze religious bodies had called on fighters to surrender their weapons, while Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, one of the prominent Druze leaders, criticized the government "bombardment," saying in a video statement: "Despite our acceptance of this humiliating statement for the safety of our people, they broke the pledge and continued to shell innocent civilians."