Israel Strikes Syria Amid Rising Druze-Sunni Clashes

Deadly sectarian violence erupted near Damascus after an audio recording insulting the Prophet Muhammad, attributed to a Druze cleric, led to clashes between Sunni militants and Druze communities, resulting in over a dozen deaths, including Druze residents and Syrian security forces. In response, Israel carried out an airstrike targeting an extremist group allegedly preparing further attacks on the Druze. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz warned Syria's new government to prevent further harm to the Druze, emphasizing Israel's strong ties to the Druze community. The Syrian government confirmed casualties and reported ongoing efforts to broker a truce. The violence follows the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and highlights escalating sectarian tensions and threats to minority groups. Israel's intervention underscores its symbolic and practical commitment to defending the Druze amid regional instability.