Israel intensified its military actions in Syria as airstrikes hit key locations in Damascus on July 16, resulting in damage to facilities that house the Syrian Defense Ministry and areas adjacent to the presidential palace. The Israeli military reports that these strikes follow a surge of violence involving Syrian government forces in the southern province of Sweida, home to the Druse minority, a group Israel claims to support.

Israeli officials have threatened further military measures unless Syrian troops pull back from Sweida, leading to urgent diplomatic talks. Shortly after the airstrikes, Syrian authorities claimed a ceasefire had been reached with local leaders, which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged, stating the U.S. facilitated discussions among the conflicting parties to de-escalate the crisis. However, despite these diplomatic efforts, additional Israeli attacks targeting Syrian military sites occurred as night fell.

Israel's intervention in southern Syria can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, there is a significant concern about Iranian-backed militias and hostile Islamist groups establishing a strategic foothold near its borders. Secondly, safeguarding the interests and well-being of the Druse minority in Syria is paramount, given their historical alignment with Israel.