Summary
Israel conducted airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus, targeting threats to the Druze community amid escalating sectarian violence. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting Druze interests, while Syrian officials rejected foreign intervention and deployed security forces to address the unrest. The violence, triggered by an inflammatory audio clip, has resulted in at least 102 deaths, including Druze civilians and fighters, amidst rising tensions between Druze and Sunni communities in southern Syria.