Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace, marking the second military intervention in Syria within days, as a warning to protect the Druse minority amid escalating sectarian violence. The strikes underscore Israel's broader strategy to prevent hostile forces from gaining a foothold near its borders, a stance rooted partly in its historical tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Shara, condemned the attacks but struggles to consolidate control over a nation still fractured from years of civil war. The Druse community, spread across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, has resisted integration into the national military, with many Syrian Druse rejecting foreign intervention despite Israel's offer of protection. The recent unrest erupted after an alleged insult to the Prophet Muhammad by a Druse cleric, leading to violent clashes between Sunni extremists and Druse militias, prompting calls for government intervention and international condemnation of sectarian violence.

Israeli airstrikes near the Syrian presidential palace serve as a warning to the Syrian government to protect the Druse minority, following a deadly week of sectarian violence involving Sunni extremists and Druse fighters.

Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria to prevent hostile forces from acquiring weapons and territory near its borders, with recent actions linked to its historical experiences with Hezbollah establishing strongholds near the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Syria's new government, led by President Ahmed al-Shara, condemned the Israeli strikes but faces challenges in unifying the country and controlling various militant groups left over from the civil war.

The Druse, a minority group with significant populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, practice a unique form of Islam and maintain distinct cultural and religious practices while participating in civic and military life.

Recent violence in Syria was triggered by the circulation of an audio clip allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad, leading to attacks on Druse areas by Sunni extremists and subsequent clashes with Druse militias.

Israel has expressed a commitment to defend the Druse community, with Israeli Druse protesters urging their government to take strong action in Syria, while some Syrian Druse have resisted external intervention.

The U.S. State Department condemned the sectarian violence in Syria, emphasizing the need for accountability and warning against the destabilizing effects of sectarianism in the region.