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 says its fighter jets bombed an area next to the presidential palace in Syria's capital, Damascus, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to protect the Druze religious minority following days of deadly sectarian violence.

Israel said it carried out an air strike near Syria's presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, warning the country's new Islamist rulers against targeting the Druze minority.The dawn strike came hours after top Druze clerics and armed factions reaffirmed their loyalty to Syria,