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.

Israel’s Netanyahu said the strike was a warning to the Syrian government not to deploy troops to the south and to prevent violence against the Druze minority.