WASHINGTON / TEL AVIV — US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli military forces from Lebanon and Syria, according to reports, as Washington seeks to reduce rising tensions across the region.
The request reportedly came after Trump’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Türkiye, where discussions focused on regional security and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
According to a report by Axios, Trump told Netanyahu that the continued presence of Israeli forces in parts of Syria and Lebanon was contributing to increased instability and making efforts toward regional calm more difficult.
Trump Pushes for Israeli Military Withdrawal
Trump reportedly asked Israel to remove its forces from both Lebanon and Syria as part of broader efforts to ease tensions and support diplomatic initiatives.
The US president has recently emphasized reducing conflicts in the region while encouraging negotiations between rival parties.
The request reflects Washington’s interest in preventing further escalation in areas where Israeli military operations have created concerns among neighboring countries and international observers.
Netanyahu Faces Domestic Political Pressure
Despite Trump’s request, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is unlikely to immediately agree, according to Axios.
The report suggested that domestic political considerations could make a withdrawal difficult, particularly as Netanyahu faces pressure from political opponents and supporters over national security decisions.
Israeli officials have previously argued that maintaining military positions in certain areas is necessary to prevent threats from armed groups and protect Israel’s borders.
Forces Remain in Disputed Areas
The Axios report also noted that Israeli troops remain in some locations where they were expected to withdraw under a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
The continued presence of forces has become a source of disagreement, with critics arguing that it complicates diplomatic progress and increases regional friction.
Supporters of Israel’s military position, however, say security concerns remain unresolved and that withdrawals must be based on guarantees against future attacks.
US Seeks Broader Middle East Stability
Trump’s reported conversation with Netanyahu comes amid wider US diplomatic efforts involving Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and other regional actors.
Washington has been working to encourage dialogue and reduce military confrontations following months of instability in the Middle East.
The issue of Israeli troop deployments remains one of several challenges facing efforts to establish longer-term security arrangements in the region.
Future of Regional Agreements Uncertain
While Trump’s administration has pushed for diplomatic solutions, significant disagreements remain between Israel and its neighbors over borders, security arrangements, and military presence.
Netanyahu’s response to the request will likely depend on domestic political factors and assessments from Israeli security officials.
The development highlights the complex balancing act facing Washington as it attempts to maintain support for Israel while encouraging steps aimed at reducing regional tensions.
