US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon as part of Washington’s efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump made the request during a phone conversation with Netanyahu last Thursday. US and Israeli officials cited in the report said the president expressed concern that Israel’s military presence in Syria was increasing regional tensions and could trigger a broader conflict.
A US official quoted by Axios said Trump warned that local opposition to the Israeli deployment was growing and reportedly told Netanyahu, “Your presence isn’t wanted,” urging him to redeploy Israeli forces.
The report said Trump also raised concerns about Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu reportedly responded that Israel requires security buffer zones along its northern borders to protect its citizens from hostile groups.
The conversation took place a day after Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Türkiye. The meeting was part of the US administration’s diplomatic efforts to establish a new security framework between Israel and Syria and reduce the risk of military escalation.
US officials reportedly believe Israel’s military presence in southern Syria has strained relations with Syria’s new leadership and could undermine regional stabilisation efforts. The report also noted that recent protests and clashes involving local residents have occurred in areas where Israeli forces are deployed.
Despite Trump’s reported request, Israeli officials have indicated that an immediate withdrawal is unlikely, maintaining that troop deployments in key areas of Syria and Lebanon are necessary to prevent cross-border threats and safeguard national security.
According to the report, Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister reiterated the importance of maintaining border security zones during his discussions with Trump, while Israeli media reported that the military has not received any orders to alter its deployments.
Meanwhile, US-backed diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon are continuing. Representatives of both countries are reportedly meeting in Rome to implement a framework agreement aimed at easing tensions and facilitating a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces would gradually assume responsibility for security in areas vacated by Israeli troops.
However, significant differences remain. Lebanese officials are seeking a clear timetable for Israel’s withdrawal, while Israeli authorities insist they must first verify that Hezbollah weapons and military infrastructure have been removed before any pullout takes place.
