The United States on Thursday voiced opposition to recent Israeli strikes in Syria, distancing itself from its longtime Middle East ally.
“The United States did not support recent Israeli strikes,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, speaking at a press briefing in Washington.
Her comments came just one day after the US helped broker a fragile deal aimed at quelling escalating violence in the region. Bruce stated Washington is engaging “at the highest levels” with both Israel and Syria to address the crisis and pursue a lasting agreement.
She declined to clarify whether the US had formally objected to Israel’s actions or whether it would oppose any future military operations in Syria. The Israeli strikes reportedly targeted key government infrastructure, including Syria’s defense ministry in Damascus, drawing international attention.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern when questioned about the attacks but stopped short of directly criticising Israel. Later, Rubio issued a general statement lamenting the ongoing violence without referring explicitly to the strikes.
President Donald Trump also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Thursday, though no details were disclosed. Trump has aligned with Turkey and Saudi Arabia in recent efforts to rebuild relations with Syria under its new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
