Trump Presses Netanyahu to Pull Israeli Forces Out of Syria and Lebanon

President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call that Israel should begin redeploying its troops out of Syria, while also pushing for further troop movements out of Lebanon, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.

Political Pressure Mounts on Netanyahu

With an election just three months away that carries major stakes for his political future, Netanyahu is seen as unlikely to make significant withdrawal moves in Syria or go beyond the limited Lebanon redeployment he has already agreed to. Israeli forces currently hold large areas of southern Lebanon and southern Syria, which the government says are necessary to prevent another large-scale attack like the one on Oct. 7. Some Israeli officials have pushed for permanent control of these areas, with a few even floating the idea of settlements.

Trump’s Direct Message

A U.S. official said Trump told Netanyahu that Israel’s military presence in Syria was creating tension and risked escalation, urging him directly to redeploy from both Syria and Lebanon. Netanyahu’s office said he raised the need for security zones along Israel’s borders during the call.

Talks Continue on Lebanon Framework

The call followed a Trump meeting with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Turkey. Separately, U.S. mediators met this week in Rome with Israeli and Lebanese diplomats to discuss implementing a recent framework agreement, under which Israel agreed to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon, a process that has not yet begun.