U.S. Condemns Israeli Strike on Syria: "Rooted in Faulty Assessments"

A senior U.S. official issued a stern condemnation of Israel's recent military operation in Syria, pressing both sides to de-escalate and resume direct communication following a U.S.-mediated truce.

At a Thursday briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized Washington’s opposition to the Israeli airstrike that hit high-level government targets in Damascus the day before.

“We categorically denounce the use of force in this context. All involved must commit to sustained, meaningful talks to prevent further bloodshed,” Bruce said.

Ceasefire After Strike in Syrian Capital

The Israeli Air Force struck Syria’s Ministry of Defense headquarters and an area close to the presidential compound, resulting in three fatalities. The IDF later confirmed the operation, citing the need to protect the Druze minority.

General Eyal Zamir, Chief of the IDF General Staff, stated the strikes were preemptive. “We are acting to deter the presence of hostile actors near our borders and to protect innocent Druze civilians from ongoing regional instability".

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from the White House on Wednesday, confirmed that a temporary agreement to halt hostilities had been reached with Israeli and Syrian officials.

“This is a fragile but critical step toward regional calm,” Rubio stated. “It’s essential that all parties now honor the terms they’ve accepted.”

Rubio later noted that Israel’s actions may have stemmed from a misinterpretation of events.

“It seems the operation was initiated under unclear circumstances, perhaps rooted in faulty assessments,” he said.

Confusion Over Origin of Violence

When asked about the underlying conflict, Bruce said investigations are underway to determine whether extremist groups, such as ISIS, played any role in triggering the clashes. She also addressed the ambiguity surrounding Israel’s decision to intervene. “This is part of a centuries-old dispute between Druze and Bedouin communities,” Bruce explained.

“The Syrian government moved troops into the area, and Israel interpreted that move as a broader threat. But what they feared may not have been what it seemed.”

Despite sporadic flare-ups, Bruce said tensions have cooled. “The fighting has subsided. The key now is to keep it that way. The Syrian authorities must take the lead, with international support, to ensure this moment of quiet becomes a foundation for long-term peace.”