US Urges Israel to Halt Airstrikes on Syrian Forces Amid Southern Syria Escalation

The United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, has urged Israel to halt its recent airstrikes on Syrian government forces in southern Syria, particularly near the Druze-populated city of Suwayda, due to concerns about escalating violence in the region. Israel maintains that these strikes target Syrian troops approaching what it considers a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights, aiming to protect the Druze minority, with whom Israel shares close ties. Israeli officials, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have stated that Israel will not withdraw from the buffer zone and emphasized the importance of continued military presence to defend settlements and protect the Druze from extremist threats. Prior to conducting strikes on Syrian regime targets, Israel reportedly warned interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa against harming the Druze population, signaling a willingness to intervene if necessary, with the United States kept informed throughout. The Syrian government condemned the attacks and rejected Israel's claims, pledging legal action and emphasizing its commitment to protect all citizens, including the Druze, amid ongoing local conflicts and instability. This situation highlights the complexity of the Syrian civil conflict, where local disputes and minority protections intersect with broader regional security dynamics and international diplomatic pressures.