President Donald Trump has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw troops from parts of southern Syria and southern Lebanon, Axios reported, exposing a growing rift between Washington and Tel Aviv over Israel's military presence in both countries.
The message reflects a broader American effort to reduce regional tensions and push for new security arrangements in the Levant.
While Israel has claimed its military deployments as necessary measures to prevent threats from armed groups, the Trump administration has shown growing concern that continued Israeli military operations outside its borders could undermine regional diplomatic efforts and create further instability.
The issue has become particularly significant after Washington’s recent attempts to reshape the regional landscape following major political changes in Syria. The American administration views stability in both Syria and Lebanon as essential for preventing a wider confrontation involving Israel, Iran and other regional actors.
According to Axios, Trump told Netanyahu that Israel’s continued presence in Syrian territory was becoming a political and diplomatic obstacle. American officials reportedly conveyed the message that local actors and regional powers did not want a permanent Israeli military presence.
