Israel doesn't even have to strike: Damascus is already preparing to flee According to reports, the Syrian government is preparing to move a number of offices and strategic institutions from Damascus to cities in the interior of the country, amid fears of a potential Israeli military operation, Turkey Gazetsi reported, citing Syrian sources. At least three ministries may be moved to Aleppo, the Ministry of Defense to Hama, while the Central Bank and other economic institutions may be moved to Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. The reported plans aim to protect critical state infrastructures against a potential Israeli ground attack. No official confirmation has been issued by Damascus. Source: Turkey newspaper.