In a phone call, US President Donald Trump has reportedly pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to initiate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Syria and Lebanon. Trump expressed concerns that the military presence might escalate regional tensions. Netanyahu, however, reportedly argued in favor of maintaining the deployments, emphasizing Israel’s security needs and the necessity of establishing border security zones.
This conversation comes amid ongoing US-supported negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, focusing on a structured withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon. The latest series of talks held in Rome were described by officials from both nations as productive, with further meetings planned to advance the withdrawal strategy.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has indicated that Israel is ready to proceed with the pilot zone agreement, although he underscored that addressing security concerns remains a top priority. These negotiations form part of a larger diplomatic effort to decrease tensions and enhance stability along Israel’s northern frontiers.
The discussions between Israel and Lebanon represent a significant step towards potentially reshaping the delicate balance of power in the region. The phased withdrawal plan is seen as a pivotal component of broader strategies aiming to fortify peace and security in an area historically fraught with conflict. As both sides continue to engage in dialogue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that could lead to lasting regional stability.