Israeli airstrikes targeted Syria following a surge in sectarian violence in Druse-majority areas, with at least 39 casualties reported over two days. The violence was triggered by an audio clip allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad, which the accused Druse cleric denied. Tensions escalated between pro-government forces and Druse militias, with the Syrian government labeling the assailants as criminals. Israel, which has a significant Druse community, threatened further action if attacks on Druse civilians continued and offered protection to Syrian Druse, which was largely declined. The ongoing unrest raises concerns about the persecution of minority groups under Syria's new Islamist leadership, which overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, as the country struggles to integrate various armed factions into its military framework.

Israeli airstrikes were launched in response to sectarian violence involving the Druse minority in Syria, with accusations against unidentified operatives attacking Druse civilians south of Damascus. The airstrikes came as Israel warned of further military action if the violence persisted.

The clashes ignited after a controversial audio clip allegedly featuring a Druse cleric insulting the Prophet Muhammad surfaced online, leading to violent confrontations between Druse militia and pro-government forces. Although the cleric denied the allegations, the incident stoked fears of sectarian persecution.

The violence initially erupted in the city of Jaramana, resulting in 17 deaths, before spreading to Ashrafieh Sahnaya. In these predominantly Druse areas, militia fighters clashed with government forces, who were accused of using heavy-handed tactics against the minority group.

Israel, home to a substantial Druse population, expressed its commitment to protecting the Druse in Syria amid the power transition and offered military support, although many Syrian Druse refused the offer, wary of becoming entangled in the ongoing conflict.

Syria's new Islamist regime, which came to power after deposing Bashar al-Assad, faces challenges in unifying the country and incorporating diverse armed groups into the national military. The recent incidents have heightened concerns among minorities about potential targeting by the current leadership.

Since Assad's ouster, Israel has conducted numerous operations in Syria, aiming to prevent hostile groups from acquiring weapons and establishing a presence near its borders. These actions reflect Israel's strategic interest in maintaining security and stability in the region.

The sectarian tensions in Syria underscore the fragile state of the nation post-civil war, with minority groups like the Druse and Alawites fearing marginalization or violence as the new government seeks to consolidate power and control over the varied factions within the country.