Israel says struck near Syria presidential palace amid Druze clashes

Israel said it carried out an air strike near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, warning the country’s new Islamist rulers against targeting the Druze minority.

The dawn strike came hours after top Druze clerics and armed factions reaffirmed their loyalty to Syria, rejecting any call for secession.

The Druze leaders urged the government to empower the interior ministry and judiciary in Sweida province — their stronghold — by appointing officials from the local population.

The…