Israel launched strikes Tuesday against Syrian government forces in the Druze-majority region of Sweida, saying it was acting to protect the religious minority.Damascus had deployed troops to Sweida after clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes killed more than 100 people.

Syria's defense minister has announced a ceasefire after government forces entered a key city in Sweida province on Tuesday.

Fiery protests broke out Tuesday on several major roads in northern Israel, as members of Israel’s Druze community rallied in support of their coreligionists in Syria after regime forces entered the Druze-majority city of Sweida,

Israel carried out strikes against Syrian government forces in southern Syria, saying it was acting to protect the Druze minority.

A leading Druze spiritual leader accused the Syrian leadership in Damascus of bombarding the southern city of Sweida despite having reached an agreement to quell violence, and he called on fighters to confront Syrian troops entering the city.

In Syria, Israel launched rare attacks on forces of the new government, while in Lebanon it took aim at the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

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

Syria's defence minister announced a ceasefire in the Druze-majority city of Sweida on Tuesday after government forces entered the city to end deadly clashes with Bedouin tribes.

The Syrian province of Sweida has witnessed deadly clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes, with government forces clashing with local groups. Over 30 people have died, and nearly 100 have been injured.