Syria’s military entered a stronghold for the Druze community in the country’s south on Tuesday, the government said, reigniting fears of attacks against minorities and triggering renewed Israeli strikes on the forces dispatched by Damascus.

The city of Sweida in southern Syria has been featured in headlines worldwide as clashes have erupted between Druze and Bedouin forces in the area. Syrian forces have also advanced on the city, and the IDF has launched airstrikes on nearby military targets.

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday they have instructed the military to strike Syrian forces in the southern Syrian province