WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly increased pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon, arguing that the continued military presence could contribute to rising regional tensions.
According to the report, Trump conveyed his position during a recent telephone conversation with Netanyahu.
During the call, the U.S. president reportedly said that the presence of Israeli troops in Syria could further escalate tensions and suggested that Israel should reduce its military deployment there.
The reported request follows earlier statements attributed to Trump in which he warned Netanyahu against actions that could increase instability in the region.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is said to be reluctant to approve any major troop withdrawal due to domestic political challenges and the approach of upcoming elections in Israel.
The report also notes that negotiations related to the Lebanon agreement remain stalled, adding another layer of complexity to discussions over Israel’s military posture.
In response to Trump’s reported position, Israel has maintained that its military presence in southern Syria and southern Lebanon is essential for national security.
Israeli officials argue that troops deployed in those areas are necessary to counter potential security threats and to protect the country’s northern border.
Neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has publicly released additional details regarding the reported telephone conversation.
The reported exchange reflects ongoing discussions between the United States and Israel over regional security, military deployments, and efforts to manage tensions in the Middle East amid continuing instability along Israel’s northern front.
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