US President Donald Trump urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call last week to begin withdrawing Israeli troops from southern Syria and Lebanon, Barak Ravid of Channel 12 and Axios reported Tuesday, citing American and Israeli officials.

According to the report on the Thursday call, Trump warned that Israel’s military presence in Syrian territory is creating tensions that could lead to an escalation, telling Netanyahu, “They don’t want you there. You should redeploy.” He reportedly made a similar request regarding Lebanon.

Netanyahu was said to push back, citing Israel’s security needs.

According to the report, Washington for months sought a security agreement between Israel and Syria but eventually came to the conclusion that Netanyahu was not willing to meet the necessary terms, including pulling troops out of Syria.

The Prime Minister’s Office said last week that during the call, Netanyahu stressed “the need for security zones along Israel’s borders,” while the White House declined to comment on the substance of the report but highlighted Trump’s “strong relationship” with Netanyahu and described the US president as “a fighter for peace.”

Last month, Israel agreed to withdraw its forces from two designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon as part of ongoing negotiations with Beirut to allow the Lebanese Armed Forces to assume security control in those areas, with the aim of ensuring that it is clear of Hezbollah weapons. But two and a half weeks have passed and Israel has yet to pull out from either pilot zone, slowing talks between the sides.

A further round of US-sponsored direct talks between Israel and Lebanon was held in Rome on Tuesday, with Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter leading Jerusalem’s delegation.

A State Department spokesperson said talks “were productive and held in a positive atmosphere.”

“Both sides are eager to move forward. Today’s........

© The Times of Israel