Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus as a warning to President Ahmed al-Shara to protect the Druse minority amidst recent sectarian violence. The clashes, involving Sunni Muslim extremists, government forces, and Druse militias, have resulted in over 100 deaths. Israel, having a significant Druse population, has vowed to protect the Druse in Syria, fearing hostile groups may gain power near its borders. The Syrian government condemned the strikes as an escalation, while Israel insists on preventing military entrenchment near its border, learning from past experiences with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Druse community in Israel has been urging the government to take decisive action to protect their counterparts in Syria, as tensions continue to rise in the region.

Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near the Syrian presidential palace in response to violent sectarian clashes that left over 100 people dead, involving Sunni Muslim extremists and Druse militia members.

Israel's intervention aims to protect the Druse minority in Syria, as both countries have significant Druse communities, and Israel fears hostile groups gaining ground near its borders.

The strike follows a pattern of Israeli military actions in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, intended to prevent weapons from falling into hostile hands and to avoid military entrenchment by enemy forces.

President Ahmed al-Shara, previously affiliated with Al Qaeda, faces internal security challenges and condemns Israel's actions as dangerous, while trying to avoid further escalation.

The Druse community in Israel is pressing for intervention, with protests and demands for action, as the Israeli military evacuates injured Druse from Syria for treatment and prepares to prevent hostile forces from entering Druse regions.

A recent bout of sectarian violence was sparked by allegations against a Druse cleric, leading to attacks by Sunni extremists and subsequent clashes with Druse militias, spreading unrest in southern Damascus and Sweida.

The U.S. State Department has called on Syria to end the sectarian violence and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing the negative impact of sectarianism on regional stability.