US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli troops from southern Syria and begin redeploying forces from southern Lebanon. The reported request, first published by Axios, points to growing differences between Washington and Jerusalem over Israel's long-term military posture in the region.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE.
Trump reportedly presses Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin withdrawing Israeli forces from southern Syria and southern Lebanon, according to a report by Axios citing US and Israeli officials.
During a reported telephone conversation, Trump is said to have warned Netanyahu that Israel's continued military presence in Syria risked escalating regional tensions.
According to Axios, Trump told the Israeli leader:
"They don't want you there. You should redeploy."
The report states Trump delivered a similar message regarding Israel's military deployment in southern Lebanon.
Differences emerge
The reported conversation highlights what appears to be an increasingly visible difference in approach between the Trump administration and Netanyahu's government.
While Washington has reportedly been encouraging a gradual reduction of Israeli troop deployments, Israel continues to argue that maintaining military positions beyond its borders remains necessary for national security following the Hamas attacks of October 2023.
Several members of Netanyahu's governing coalition have publicly supported maintaining an extended military presence in both Syria and Lebanon, with some also advocating future Israeli settlements in occupied areas.
US pursuing regional agreements
The reported discussion follows Trump's recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the NATO summit in Türkiye.
According to Axios, the United States has spent several months attempting to broker new security arrangements between Israel and Syria while also supporting implementation of a US-backed framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Under that agreement, Israel committed to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon while allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to deploy into those areas.
According to the report, that withdrawal has yet to begin.
Israel maintains security concerns
Israel says its deployments beyond its recognised borders are designed to prevent future cross-border attacks similar to those carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023.
Following the reported phone call, Netanyahu's office issued a statement emphasising what it described as the continued need for security zones along Israel's borders.
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post, citing Israeli defence officials, reported there had been "no change on the ground" in either Syria or Lebanon despite the Axios report.
White House avoids confirming details
The White House declined to comment on the specific details of the reported conversation.
However, US officials reaffirmed Washington's support for Israel, stating there had been "no greater friend to Israel and a fighter for peace than President Trump."
The report also follows previous media accounts suggesting Trump has privately expressed frustration over some Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
Developments involving Israel, Syria and Lebanon have wider implications for international security and diplomacy. New Zealand maintains longstanding support for regional stability, adherence to international law and negotiated solutions to territorial disputes.
Although geographically distant, instability in the Middle East can influence global energy markets, international trade routes and broader geopolitical tensions. As a trading nation that participates actively in United Nations diplomacy, New Zealand has an interest in efforts that reduce the risk of wider regional conflict while supporting durable political settlements.
Source Material
Axios report: Referenced throughout the RT article.
Source
Original Article: RT — 'They don't want you there': Trump tells Netanyahu to leave Syria and Lebanon – Axios (HERE)
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.