Trump Urges Netanyahu to Redeploy Israeli Forces from Syria and Lebanon

During a phone call on Thursday, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin redeploying Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Syria and to take similar steps in Lebanon. According to American and Israeli officials, Trump emphasized that local populations do not want Israeli forces present, stating, "Bibi, they don't want you there. You need to redeploy your forces." This conversation reflects increasing pressure from the White House on Netanyahu to reduce or reposition Israeli military presence in these regions.

Currently, the IDF holds extensive positions in southern Lebanon and southern Syria, areas Israel considers vital for preventing further incursions similar to the October 7 attacks. Some Israeli officials advocate for continued or even expanded control, including establishing settlements. However, Trump warned that Israel's presence in Syria is heightening tensions and risks escalation.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office responded by asserting Netanyahu explained the necessity of maintaining security zones in both Syria and Lebanon, while also claiming that reports of Trump's remarks were distorted. The White House declined to comment but did not deny the details. A senior U.S. official highlighted Trump's strong relationship with Netanyahu and his commitment to Israel's security.

This call came a day after Trump met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. The Trump administration had sought for months to broker a new security agreement between Israel and Syria but concluded Netanyahu was unwilling to make the required concessions, primarily a phased withdrawal from Syrian territories captured after Assad's regime collapse in December 2024.

Recent weeks have seen protests and clashes in southern Syria against the IDF presence. Meanwhile, American mediators recently met with Israeli and Lebanese diplomats in Rome to discuss implementing a framework agreement, which includes Israel withdrawing from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon to allow Lebanese army deployment. Israel has yet to complete this redeployment, citing the need to ensure these areas are free of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure, a condition Lebanon believes should be verified by the U.S. military.