Syrian officials and Druze leaders announced a new ceasefire on Wednesday evening following the breakdown of a previous truce. Clashes had raged across the southern Syrian city of Sweida for most of Wednesday --- with Israel threatened to escalate its involvement in support of the Druze religious minority.

An airstrike on the Syrian Ministry of Defense was captured live on Syria TV, forcing the anchor to take cover. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes on Syria as part of its commitment to protect the Druze,

The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday attacked the entrance to the Syrian regime’s military headquarters in the Damascus area in response to reports of atrocities against local Druze residents.

The official said the past 48 hours could seriously undermine progress toward a new security agreement between Israel and Syria as a first step toward normalization. Those discuss

SWEIDA (Reuters) -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.

Syrian forces had deployed in the southern city of Sweida, despite Israeli warnings, trying to contain clashes between members of the Druze minority and Bedouin.

Syrian officials and Druze leaders announce new ceasefire after days of fighting, following breakdown of previous truce.

Syrian TV Presenter Flees Following Israeli Airstrike; Israeli Defense Minister Posts Video With Caption: "The Heavy Blows Have Started.”