Report Claims Donald Trump Urged Benjamin Netanyahu to Withdraw Israeli Troops From Syria and Lebanon
An Axios report alleges that Donald Trump told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call that Israel should withdraw military personnel from Syria and Lebanon. The report cited American and Israeli officials who stated that Israel’s presence in Syrian territory was reportedly creating tensions that could lead to escalation. IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post that the report caught them by surprise, stating that there has been no change on the ground in Lebanon or Syria. The call reportedly warned that Israel’s military presence was problematic, urging Netanyahu to "redeploy." The allegations emerged as peace talks resumed in Rome regarding a framework aimed at disarming Hezbollah and facilitating the withdrawal of IDF troops from southern Lebanon. While the administration has not commented on the report's substance, the diplomatic push suggests continued international focus on stability in the region. Netanyahu reportedly countered the warnings by emphasizing ongoing security needs along Israel’s borders. Ongoing talks continue to focus on implementing gradual Israeli withdrawals from designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon.