DAMASCUS — Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria, launching airstrikes Thursday on areas near Damascus following days of unrest in Druze-majority districts, which Syrian authorities say were triggered by sectarian incitement.

The Syrian government reported that the Israeli strikes killed several civilians, including Druze residents, in the Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana suburbs.

The violence followed earlier clashes sparked by a leaked audio recording attributed to a Druze resident that allegedly contained insults against Prophet Muhammad. Sixteen people, including security personnel, were reportedly killed in the domestic unrest.

Israel’s leadership described the airstrikes as a "warning operation." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the attacks aimed to deter harm against the Druze community. Katz warned: “If the harm to the Druze in Syria does not stop, we will respond very harshly.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called on the international community to act in defense of Syria’s minorities.

Syria condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a violation of its sovereignty. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated that the country’s internal issues must be addressed through dialogue, not foreign intervention. The General Security Directorate announced that calm had returned to affected areas and confirmed a ceasefire agreement and weapons collection plan following negotiations with local leaders.

Israeli media reported that Druze soldiers in the Israeli army had urged officials to intervene to protect their families in Syria.

Syrian authorities accused “outlaws” of fueling sectarian tensions and reaffirmed that all citizens, including the Druze, are equal under Syrian law.

The latest airstrikes form part of a broader escalation, with Israel having increased aerial attacks across Syria since February.

Damascus has denied posing any threat to Israel, and state media described the campaign as part of Tel Aviv’s broader regional strategy.

Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government in December, Israel declared the 1974 disengagement agreement void and expanded control over the previously demilitarized zone in the occupied Golan Heights, raising further alarm among regional and international observers. — Agencies