Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and Sweida, accusing Israel of trying to destabilize Syria and fracture national unity. In a televised national address on Thursday, al-Sharaa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, particularly the Druze minority in the country’s south.

“Our people waged a revolution for freedom and emerged victorious through sacrifice. They remain ready to defend their honour,” al-Sharaa said.

He accused Israel of consistently undermining Syria’s stability since the fall of the previous government and attempting to turn the country into a permanent battlefield. “Syria is not a testing ground for foreign conspiracies,” he said. “We won’t allow our future to be sacrificed for foreign ambitions.”

Addressing the Druze community directly, al-Sharaa emphasized their integral role in Syria’s national fabric. “Protecting your rights and freedoms is a top priority. We reject any attempt to drag you into foreign agendas or incite division,” he said.

Israeli forces launched several waves of strikes on Wednesday targeting areas in Damascus and Sweida. The Israeli government claimed the action was aimed at protecting Druze populations from harm. However, Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the airstrikes as a “blatant violation” of sovereignty and international law.

The Syrian statement said that civilian infrastructure and government buildings were hit, injuring several civilians, including women and children, and causing significant material damage.

Syria blamed Israel for escalating tensions and urged the United Nations and international community to take decisive action to halt Israel’s repeated violations. Syria also reserved its right to self-defence under international law.