A strong central government in Damascus appeals to Trump but not to his allies in Israel. Once again, images of horrifying violence are pouring out of Syria: dead bodies piled up in a hospital corridor. Gunmen calling out insults as they drive their cars over the corpses of murdered civilians.

Israeli leaders said they launched attacks on Syria this week to protect members of the Druze religious group in the country’s south, amid clashes in the area.

Bruce declined to say whether Washington supports Israel carrying out such military operations when it deems necessary. The United States did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, the State Department said on Thursday,