U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin withdrawing Israeli military forces from southern Syria and Lebanon, according to U.S. and Israeli officials familiar with a recent phone conversation between the two leaders.
The report states that Trump expressed concern that Israel’s continued military presence in Syrian territory could heighten regional tensions and increase the risk of further escalation. He is also said to have made a similar request regarding Israeli forces deployed in southern Lebanon.
According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position that security zones along its borders remain essential to counter potential threats. Israeli authorities have not announced any immediate plans to alter troop deployments, and officials familiar with the matter indicated that no operational changes have been made following the reported conversation.
The reported discussion comes amid ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region. Washington has been encouraging progress on security arrangements involving Syria and Lebanon, while talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives continue over the implementation of a previously agreed framework for Israeli troop redeployments in southern Lebanon.
The White House has not commented on the specific details of the reported call but also has not denied that the conversation took place. Netanyahu’s office has said the Israeli prime minister emphasized the need to maintain security along Israel’s borders during discussions with the U.S. president.
