Why did Israel launch new strikes near Damascus?

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Israel Launched Strikes Near Damascus Following Sectarian Clashes and a Warning to Syrian Authorities

Israel launched new strikes near Damascus on Wednesday in response to sectarian clashes that resulted in nearly 40 deaths and amid warnings to the Syrian regime regarding the safety of the Druze minority. The strikes targeted an extremist group preparing to attack the Druze population in Sahnaya, a town with a significant Druze and Christian presence. This intervention by Israel presents a complex challenge for Syria's current Islamist authorities, occurring shortly after massacres in the Alawite heartland.
Israeli Warning and Military Action Against Extremist Group

The Israeli military carried out a "warning action" after an extremist group was identified as preparing to attack the Druze population in Sahnaya. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office conveyed a "stern message to the Syrian regime," emphasizing Israel's expectation that they prevent harm to the Druze community. This action followed previous warnings from Israel to Syria's Islamist rulers concerning the Druze minority, and the Israeli military had prepared troops to strike Syrian government targets if violence against Druze communities persisted.
Sectarian Clashes Result in Significant Casualties

The Israeli strikes occurred in the wake of deadly sectarian clashes that erupted overnight in Sahnaya. These clashes resulted in the deaths of six Druze fighters and 16 General Security personnel. The previous night, eight Druze fighters and nine gunmen associated with the authorities were killed in Jaramana, another suburb south-east of the capital. The violence was reportedly instigated by the circulation of an audio recording deemed blasphemous, attributed to a Druze citizen.
Syrian Authorities Respond to Violence and Rejection of Foreign Interference

Syria's foreign ministry vowed to protect all societal components, including the Druze, and rejected foreign interference in its internal affairs. State news agency SANA reported that a "security operation" in the Sahnaya area had concluded, with General Security personnel deployed to restore order. The interior ministry had previously stated that authorities would decisively confront those seeking to destabilize Syria. In Jaramana, calm returned after Syrian authorities promised Druze leaders they would pursue those responsible for the violence.
Israel's Broader Engagement with Druze Community

Beyond the immediate strikes, Israel has taken steps to support the Druze, including evacuating three injured Syrian Druze to Israel for medical treatment. This action aligns with a broader pattern of Israeli engagement, as noted by analyst Michael Horowitz, who suggests Israel aims to find local allies and exert influence by positioning itself as a protector of the Druze community amidst Syria's uncertain future. Israel views Syria's current forces as jihadists and has conducted numerous strikes on Syrian military sites since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

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Why did Israel launch new strikes near Damascus?

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