Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have ordered the military to immediately strike the Turkish-backed Syrian regime's forces and weapons deployed in the Suwayda region following attacks on the Druze minority, Channel 12 reported on July 15.

Israel launched airstrikes on the southern Druze stronghold city of Suwayda shortly after the Syrian army announced its entry into the area, with Syria's Defence Minister subsequently announcing a ceasefire, with troops being seen to be leaving the area.

The strikes came in response to Syria's decision to move forces and weapons into the southern area in violation of an earlier agreement, which Israel said posed a threat to its security. Syrian forces have been increasing their presence beyond the Golan heights for several months, and now control areas several kilometres away from Damascus. 

Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said in a statement that after an "agreement with the city's notables and dignitaries, we will respond only to the sources of fire and deal with any targeting by outlaw groups."

The violence began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between members of local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions in the southern province, which serves as a centre of the Druze community.

Syrian government security forces sent to restore order clashed with Druze armed groups, prompting Israeli intervention to protect the religious minority.

"Israel is committed to preventing harm to the Druze in Syria due to the deep bond of brotherhood with our Druze citizens in Israel and their familial and historical ties to the Druze in Syria," an Israeli statement said.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military "attacked targets in Syria as a message and a clear warning to the Syrian regime - we will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria. Israel will not stand idly by."

The strikes occurred after Suwayda's religious and civil leaders initially announced a ceasefire and accepted Syrian government forces' entry, though some factions subsequently withdrew from the agreement.

Israel confirmed it had destroyed Syrian tanks whilst warning against targeting the Druze population in the border region.

On May 1, leaders of the Druze majority struck a deal with the Syrian authorities to reduce tensions and improve the protection of their rights. The Syrian authorities met with Druze leaders and reached an accommodation that will create representation for the minority in government and safeguard their interests.

However, not everyone is satisfied with the deal. Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri and the Israel-linked Suwayda Military Council oppose it and seek to overthrow the new government. The influential leader al-Hijri has called the ruling regime “a gang” and accused it of “genocide.”

Three members of the Suwayda Military Council were former Assad generals and are believed to be in control of the area.