Rubio: Israel’s Syria Strike ‘Likely a Misunderstanding’
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that Israel’s strike on Damascus was ‘likely a misunderstanding’ amid clashes between the Druze and Bedouin communities in southern Syria. Rubio emphasized the complexity of the situation, noting historic rivalries that led to the incident. He also highlighted ongoing U.S. efforts to stabilize the Middle East and support Syria’s transition post-Assad.
The Israeli military action followed reports of attacks against the Druze community by Bedouin militias and the Syrian government. The strikes reportedly damaged the Syrian Defense Ministry’s headquarters and resulted in casualties. Concerns over minority rights have risen since the fall of the Assad regime, with the former terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham now operating with some level of support in the region.
Rubio confirmed that he has been in communication with both sides since the fighting erupted, as the U.S. seeks to position Syria as a regional stabilizer. He expressed hope for de-escalation and progress toward stabilizing Middle East relations, particularly with Israel.
The clashes, which began after a Druze man was attacked at a Bedouin checkpoint, escalated into brutal tit-for-tat violence. The Syrian government reportedly intensified its crackdown on Druze communities, leading to civilian casualties and allegations of targeted attacks. Human rights groups have raised alarms about the violence, though reports remain inconclusive.
As the U.S. government works to navigate this complex situation, it faces the challenge of balancing its strategic interests in the region with its commitments to regional stability and humanitarian concerns. Rubio’s remarks underscore the administration’s focus on de-escalation and long-term stabilization efforts in Syria, which are critical to broader Middle East peace initiatives.