Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 14
Trump Urges Israel to Withdraw IDF From 2 Fronts as Syria Shift Raises Pressure
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 14

Trump Urges Israel to Withdraw IDF From 2 Fronts as Syria Shift Raises Pressure

3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 14

Summary

  • Axios reported Trump told Benjamin Netanyahu in a Thursday call to pull Israeli troops from Syria and Lebanon, warning their presence in Syrian territory could fuel tension and escalation.
  • IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post they were surprised by the report, said they knew of no such call, and reported no change on the ground or signs of an imminent redeployment.
  • In Rome, Israel and Lebanon have resumed talks on a June 26 U.S.-brokered framework that aims to disarm Hezbollah and enable an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
  • The reported call came a day after Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara and then moved to lift Syria's state-sponsor-of-terrorism designation.
  • Netanyahu is also seeking a White House meeting with Trump, according to Walla, though neither the White House nor the prime minister's office has confirmed plans.

Insights

Is the US trading old allies for new partners by demanding an Israeli withdrawal while delisting Syria from terror designation?
Can Syria's new leader, a former al-Qaeda commander, truly be a reliable partner for lasting peace in the Middle East?
Will an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon bring peace if an Iran-funded Hezbollah refuses to disarm and continues its fight?