diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index 8a0e92768a..a24a02defc 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -14,3 +14,7 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
     branch: 2.2.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 2.6.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index be62d8420f..20770a28dd 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -63,6 +63,21 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
       - cla/google
       - OwlBot Post Processor
+  - pattern: 2.6.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
+      - OwlBot Post Processor
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin