Trump Urges Netanyahu to Withdraw Israeli Forces from Syria and Lebanon

US President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel should withdraw its military forces from Syria, according to a report by Axios on Tuesday evening. The conversation took place last Thursday during a phone call, in which Trump said, "They do not want you there," referring to Israeli troops in Syria. He also urged Netanyahu to pull back Israeli forces from Lebanon, according to official sources in both the US and Israel.

This exchange occurred amid Trump's meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. Despite this, Israel continues to maintain its presence in the buffer zone and the Golan Heights as part of its preparations for potential developments across the border. Israeli security officials express concern over Turkey's growing influence in Syria, with one official telling Kan News that Turkey's deeper involvement in the Syrian arena is "a matter of time." Ankara is reportedly assisting in building the new Syrian army, establishing military infrastructure, and advancing its interests in the country.

Earlier this month, Trump proposed recruiting Assad to assist Israel in its fight against Hezbollah. However, Assad is reportedly wary of intervening, fearing he would be seen as acting to protect Israel and lose credibility in the Arab world. Meanwhile, US pressure is expected to revive stalled Israel-Syria talks. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about Turkey potentially acquiring F-35 fighter jets, which raises concerns in Israel.