TEL AVIV: Yair Lapid, the opposition leader and former Prime Minister of Israel, has described the recent airstrikes on Damascus as a “grave mistake,” warning that such actions could escalate tensions and halt the progress of reducing violence in the region. In a statement, he emphasized that any military action should be carried out only after careful consideration of its objectives and political implications, as failing to do so may lead to unpredictable consequences. In response, the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that these attacks were based on accurate intelligence and targeted key military installations in Syria. However, details of the operation are still under review. The airstrikes followed violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin tribes in the Suwayda province, which prompted intervention by Syrian government forces and ultimately led to the Israeli airstrike. Israel claimed that the operation aimed to protect the Druze community. In light of these developments, Syrian officials have reported reaching a ceasefire agreement with Druze leaders. The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced that army forces would gradually withdraw from the city of Suwayda. The agreement includes 14 articles, and a committee will be established to oversee its implementation. While some religious Druze leaders have supported the ceasefire, others have called for continued resistance.
