U.S. response Israel Syria conflict sees urgent diplomacy after Israeli strikes hit Damascus. Trump, Rubio urge calm amid tribal clashes and fragile transition
The United States is working to contain rising tensions following Israeli airstrikes near Damascus. The strikes, aimed at areas close to Syria’s presidential palace and military command, have prompted swift diplomatic outreach from Washington.
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Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, explained that the situation stemmed from a tribal misunderstanding involving the Druze and Bedouin communities.
She said, “We are calling on the Syrian government to withdraw their military to enable all sides to de-escalate and find a path forward.”
Israeli intervention was reportedly intended to protect the Druze population amid violent clashes in southwest Syria.
The U.S. confirmed ongoing contact between President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their counterparts in Israel and Syria.
Rubio described the conflict as “complicated” but voiced optimism about a resolution within hours. He said the current violence has roots in longstanding ethnic rivalries and a miscommunication on the ground.
The U.S. has recently shown strong support for Syria’s transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
As part of that support, sanctions were eased and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was delisted to streamline aid efforts. However, the latest military escalation risks undermining progress.
Bruce stressed that these developments are not unexpected in a volatile transition. “Misunderstandings will occur in regions with deep tribal divisions, but swift diplomatic action is necessary,” she stated.
U.S. Special Envoy James Barrack is currently coordinating protection measures for Syria’s minorities, including the Druze and Kurds. Bruce was clear that the U.S. does not endorse federalism as a long-term solution in Syria.
In other diplomatic updates, Bruce confirmed President Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The discussion included arms sales and efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
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Regarding the killing of American citizen Sayfollah Musallet in the West Bank, Bruce called for a full investigation by Israel.
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She also addressed the deadly crowd surge at a Gaza aid site, citing Gaza Humanitarian Fund claims that armed Hamas-linked operatives were responsible.
