Trump, Netanyahu clash over Israeli troop presence in Syria and Lebanon

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to begin withdrawing Israeli forces from parts of Syria and Lebanon during a phone call last Thursday, warning that their continued presence could heighten the risk of regional escalation, according to Axios, which cited U.S. and Israeli officials.

The report said Trump expressed particular concern over the Israel Defense Forces' deployment in southeastern Syria, telling Netanyahu that the military presence was becoming increasingly risky.

"They don't want you there. You should redeploy," Trump reportedly told the Israeli leader, according to Axios.

Netanyahu pushed back against the proposal, arguing that Israeli security zones in both Syria and Lebanon remain essential to safeguarding Israel's security.

The reported exchange comes as Israeli and Lebanese officials met in Rome on Monday to discuss continued coordination over Israel's gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said during a visit to the Czech Republic that the Israel Defense Forces were preparing to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon as part of the ongoing process.

Neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister's Office had publicly commented on the Axios report at the time of publication.

GAROWE ONLINE