diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index ef849857b..b37bc5574 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -33,4 +33,8 @@ branches:
   - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
-    branch: 1.23.x
\ No newline at end of file
+    branch: 1.23.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 1.33.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 7cf623cb8..cfd6a11b9 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -117,6 +117,18 @@ branchProtectionRules:
     requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
     requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
     requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
+  - pattern: 1.33.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (17)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - cla/google
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
 permissionRules:
   - team: Googlers
     permission: pull