US President Donald Trump has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin withdrawing Israeli troops from southern Syria and Lebanon during a phone call last week.
According to reports by Channel 12 and Axios, citing American and Israeli officials, Trump has warned that Israel's military presence in Syrian territories could increase tensions and lead to a new escalation in the region.
During the conversation, the US president reportedly told Netanyahu that the Israeli presence is not welcome by local residents and that Israel should review the positioning of its forces. A similar request was made for Lebanon.
According to reports, Netanyahu has objected, emphasizing Israel's security needs and the necessity of creating protective zones along the country's borders.
The US administration has been seeking a security agreement between Israel and Syria for months, but according to sources cited, Washington has concluded that the Israeli government has not been willing to meet some of the conditions, including the withdrawal of troops from Syria.
Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, negotiations continue between Israel and Beirut, mediated by the US, on the implementation of security zones and the restoration of control of the area by the Lebanese army.
Israel has previously agreed to withdraw from certain designated areas in southern Lebanon, but the process has been delayed as the parties continue discussions on implementing the agreements.
Tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border remain high due to clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israel insists its military presence in southern Lebanon is necessary to prevent rocket and drone attacks on its northern communities.
Meanwhile, the US continues diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement that would include a cessation of the conflict, the disarmament of armed groups, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from border areas.
