Israel struck a target near the presidential palace in the Syrian capital after the Druze community in both countries called for help following a series of violent clashes between the minority group and Syrian government forces.

Israel conducted an attack near the presidential palace in Damascus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced. He also reiterated the promise that Israel will protect the Druze community in Syria.

A war monitor and an activist group say clashes broke out in the Syrian capital between local gunmen belonging to the minority Druze sect and pro-government fighters.