Israeli bombing and government’s apparent complicity in sectarian clashes have damaged efforts to unify country

The United States said early Saturday that it had negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Syria's government as new clashes erupted in Syria's Druze heartland following violence that prompted massive Israeli strikes.

Syrian president vows state will protect its Druze minority, hold those behind the violence accountable; dismisses efforts to drag Syrians into hands of any 'external party'

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa credited U.S., Arab, and Turkish mediation—led by President Donald Trump—for halting a full-scale war between Syria and Israel following intense Israeli airstrikes on Damascus.

Israeli Minister, Amichai Chikli, stated that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa should be assassinated, likening him to Hamas.

“We came here to work,” said Ismael Abu Al Khayer, who’s in charge of community relations. He portrayed Damascus as backward compared to Idlib. “We have electricity, food and water, and high-speed internet. We have modern cars. You can pay bills by phone. It is an electronic government,” he said, referring to his former city.

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of undermining Syrian unity and promised to protect the Druze minority amidst escalating conflicts involving government forces, Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes.

An attempt at forced centralization backfires with Druze and Israelis.