The government announcement came hours after a top U.S. envoy to the region said that the country and Israel had agreed to a truce after sectarian-tinged clashes had left hundreds dead.

The Syrian Islamist-led government announced a ceasefire in Sweida following deadly factional violence. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa praised international mediation while criticizing Israeli airstrikes.

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday pledged protection for minorities in the country shortly after his administration announced a "comprehensive and immediate" ceasefire in the embattled province of Sweida following days of deadly sectarian violence there.

Ahmed al-Sharaa spoke after Israel said it would destroy government forces it accused of attacking Druze in Syria.

The move comes after days of clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters in Suweida that have reportedly left hundreds dead.

The attack follows a wave of Israeli strikes on Syrian government forces during two days of sectarian clashes between local Druze and Bedouin populations.

The conflict drew airstrikes against Syrian forces by neighboring Israel in defense of the Druze minority before most of the fighting was halted by a truce announced Wednesday.