Trump urges Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria, Lebanon

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has reportedly intensified pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce Israel’s military presence in Syria and Lebanon, arguing that a continued deployment could fuel regional tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts.

According to reports, Trump raised the issue during a recent phone conversation with Netanyahu, stressing that the presence of Israeli forces inside Syrian territory risks escalating an already fragile security situation in the Middle East.

The US president is said to have conveyed that Israel should begin reducing its military footprint in Syria as part of broader efforts to lower tensions across the region. The discussion comes amid growing international concern over the possibility of renewed conflict involving Israel, Syria and armed groups operating along the border.

The reported request follows earlier remarks by Trump in which he warned that any move leading to wider regional escalation could leave Israel facing increased diplomatic challenges. Washington has recently been encouraging measures aimed at preventing further instability while maintaining close security coordination with its regional allies.

Despite Trump’s position, Israeli officials maintain that military deployments in southern Syria and southern Lebanon remain essential for national security. Israeli authorities argue that the presence of armed groups near the country’s northern borders continues to pose a direct threat, making a complete withdrawal difficult under the current security environment.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is also facing mounting political pressure at home, with domestic challenges and approaching elections reportedly limiting his willingness to approve any significant military pullback. Analysts believe that any decision involving troop withdrawals could become a sensitive political issue within Israel.

Meanwhile, negotiations related to Lebanon remain stalled, further reducing the prospects for an immediate breakthrough. Diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have yet to produce meaningful progress, leaving the security situation uncertain.

Observers say the differing positions of Washington and Tel Aviv reflect the delicate balance between diplomatic initiatives and security considerations. While the United States appears focused on reducing regional tensions through de-escalation, Israel insists that its military presence is necessary to deter potential threats.

The latest developments highlight ongoing differences over regional strategy despite the close alliance between the two countries. As diplomatic efforts continue, the future of Israeli troop deployments in Syria and Lebanon is expected to remain a key issue in discussions between Washington and Tel Aviv.

With regional tensions still high, the outcome of these talks could influence broader security dynamics across the Middle East in the weeks ahead.