The Syrian government underestimated Israel's reaction to the deployment of its troops in the south, believing it had US backing, leading to Israeli attacks.

Israel attacked Syrian government forces and Damascus after they were accused of violence in the city of Sweida. Sources say Damascus misinterpreted messages from the US, believing it had the green light to deploy troops, ignoring Israeli warnings. This perception was based on comments by the US special envoy for Syria, who called for a centralized administration of the country. Although the State Department did not comment on the details of the talks, it reaffirmed its support for Syria's territorial unity.