Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli airstrike that struck near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, calling the attack a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and stability.
In a statement released by the Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom reaffirmed its firm opposition to any aggression against Syria’s territorial integrity and emphasized the need to respect international law. The statement comes amid rising tensions in the region following a series of Israeli military actions in Syria.
“The Kingdom strongly condemns the Israeli bombing near the presidential palace in Damascus and reiterates its position rejecting any violations of Syria’s sovereignty,” the statement said.
The Syrian government also responded forcefully. In an official statement, the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic denounced the airstrike “in the strongest terms,” calling it a “dangerous escalation targeting state institutions and national sovereignty.” Damascus urged Arab nations to present a unified front against Israeli military operations, saying coordinated resistance is needed to protect Arab rights.
The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the strike was intended to protect members of the Druze community, a religious minority with populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. The Druze were recently involved in violent clashes with Sunni militants in southern Syria, prompting concerns in Israel over the safety of their coreligionists across the border.
“This is part of our commitment to the Druze community,” Netanyahu said early Friday, citing the incident as the second Israeli strike in Syria within two days.
The Druze practice a distinct monotheistic religion rooted in Islam, and they maintain a unique cultural and religious identity in the Levant. Israel has often emphasized its protective stance toward the Druze, particularly those who serve in the Israeli military and live in the country’s north.
The escalation underscores the fragility of regional dynamics and complicates efforts by Arab states to stabilize Syria after years of civil war. Saudi Arabia’s sharp response also reflects growing concern among Gulf states about increased Israeli military activity in neighboring Arab countries.
As tensions mount, observers say the incident could reignite debates among Arab League members over their collective response to Israeli strikes in Syria and broader security challenges in the region.
