A new wave of tension is brewing in diplomatic circles. During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump issued a stern demand: begin the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Syria and Lebanon. Washington believes that the current military presence in these areas is only fueling the regional conflict.
Washington's direct demand
According to sources in Washington and Jerusalem, the American leader did not resort to diplomatic subterfuge. Trump spoke with extreme directness, pointing out the risks of uncontrolled escalation posed by the presence of the Israeli army on Syrian territory.
"They do not want you there. You should redeploy," Trump told the Israeli Prime Minister. A similar request was made regarding the situation in Lebanon. For the US, the military presence in these regions has become the main stumbling block in attempts to advance a security agreement between Israel and Syria, which the White House has been promoting for several months.
Israel's position: security above all
The head of the Israeli government is in no hurry to agree with the ally's demands. Netanyahu is actively resisting the proposal for withdrawal, appealing to national interests and state security. In his response, he emphasized that Israel vitally needs security zones along all its borders.
In Netanyahu's view, the IDF performs a critically important defensive function, containing radical groups. However, the White House has concluded that the Israeli leader is not yet ready to fulfill the key conditions for achieving peace, despite the ceasefire reached on June 19 with US mediation.
Situation on the ground and international resonance
Tensions on the border between Israel and Lebanon persist, despite the formal ceasefire. Recently, Netanyahu personally visited Israeli soldiers in southern occupied Lebanon, symbolizing the firmness of Tel Aviv's position.
Washington is refraining from official comments regarding the details of the conversation, limiting itself to reminding of Trump's status as a "fighter for peace" and his strong personal relationship with the Israeli leader. Meanwhile, the situation around the region is intensifying on the international level: Turkey is demanding the arrest of the Israeli Prime Minister through Interpol, bringing charges as serious as genocide.
