Donald Trump Urges Benjamin Netanyahu to Withdraw Forces from Syria

President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a telephone call last Thursday to withdraw Israeli military forces from southern Syria and Lebanon. The request followed a meeting between Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a NATO summit in Turkey.

Trump warned that Israel's sustained military presence in Syrian territory could trigger regional volatility and escalation, telling Netanyahu, "They don't want you there. You should redeploy." The Trump administration is reportedly seeking a security agreement for the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army from Syrian territory occupied since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024.

In response, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Netanyahu emphasized the need for security zones along Israel's borders. While Israel had previously committed to vacating pilot zones in Lebanon under a framework agreement, US officials suggest Netanyahu remains reluctant to make the concessions necessary for a broader withdrawal from Syria.