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 troops stationed there, stating, "Bibi, they don't want you there. You need to redeploy your forces." This call reflects increasing pressure from the White House on Netanyahu to reduce Israel's military presence in these regions.

Currently, the IDF holds extensive positions in southern Lebanon and southern Syria, areas Israel considers vital for preventing further attacks like the October 7 assault. Some Israeli officials advocate for continued or even expanded control, including establishing settlements. However, Netanyahu is unlikely to make significant withdrawals ahead of critical elections in three months that are crucial for his political survival.

Behind the scenes, U.S. officials view Israel's presence in Syria as a source of tension that could escalate conflict. Netanyahu's office responded by underscoring Israel's need to maintain security zones in both Syria and Lebanon, while also accusing reports of Trump's remarks of distortion. The White House declined to comment but did not deny the details, with a senior official praising Trump's strong alliance with Israel.

The conversation occurred 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 negotiate a new security agreement between Israel and Syria but concluded Netanyahu was unwilling to make necessary concessions, particularly a phased withdrawal from Syrian territory captured after Assad's regime collapse in December 2024.

Recent weeks have seen protests and clashes between Syrian civilians and IDF soldiers in southern Syria. Meanwhile, American mediators met with Israeli and Lebanese diplomats in Rome to discuss implementing a framework agreement, under which Israel agreed to withdraw 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 argues should be verified by the U.S. military.