Multiple Arab nations have moved to condemn Israeli strikes on military targets in southern Syria in a coordinated diplomatic pushback.
The State of Qatar, on Friday, March 20, denounced the attack as a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and a clear breach of international law.
In an official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strike targeting military facilities in southern Syria represented a serious escalation.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the continuation of such practices in the region without deterrence reflects a serious disregard for international law and undermines the foundations of regional security and stability, noting in this regard that the international community’s inability to curb and put an end to these violations has contributed to the worsening of the crisis facing the region,” the ministry said.
It added that the international community’s failure to curb such actions has contributed to worsening instability, while reaffirming Doha’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Jordan, Egypt condem Israeli strikes in Syria
Jordan and Egypt also condemned the Israeli strikes, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said were in response to what it called attacks on Druze civilians by Syrian authorities.
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The Israeli army on Thursday confirmed it carried out the strikes, saying they targeted Syrian military compounds, including a command center and weapons depots.
According to the Israeli military, the operation was conducted in response to attacks on Druze civilians in the Sweida area.
“This was in response to the events yesterday, in which Druze civilians were attacked,” the IDF said, adding that it would “not allow harm to the Druze in Syria” and would continue to act to protect them.
A Druze militia group reported that at least nine people were killed in a drone and rocket attack in the area prior to Israel’s response.
The Syrian government strongly rejected Israel’s justification. Syria’s foreign ministry described the strikes as a “blatant violation” of international law and accused Israel of pursuing a policy of escalation aimed at destabilizing the region.
Damascus said it holds Israel “fully responsible for the consequences” and called on the international community—particularly the U.N. Security Council—to intervene.
Meanwhile, Türkiye also condemned the operation, labeling it a “dangerous escalation” and reiterating its support for Syria’s sovereignty.
Ankara further called for adherence to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, warning that continued violations risk undermining fragile regional stability.
Pressure builds on Netanyahu
The widening condemnation places Netanyahu under increasing international pressure at a time when Israel is already engaged in a multi-front conflict involving Iran and allied groups.
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The Israeli military on Friday issued a new displacement threat for Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel’s Arabic-language military spokesman Avichay Adraee has called on residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs to “evacuate immediately”, saying it will target infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah.
He singled out the neighbourhoods of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir, and Chiyah as being under threat of attack.
Israel has repeatedly launched deadly strikes in these neighbourhoods and throughout southern Beirut since it intensified its attacks in Lebanon on March 2.
Twenty-one people have been injured in an Israeli air strike on Deir ez-Zahrani in southern Lebanon, the Health Ministry says. Two of those hurt were women,
Lebanon’s Disaster Risk Management Unit said 20 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon on Friday.
