Israel has reaffirmed that it will maintain military forces in security zones inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip, despite reports that US President Donald Trump urged Israeli leaders to reduce their military presence in the region.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated the position during an overnight phone call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a statement from Katz’s office.
Katz said Israel considers its deployments necessary to protect its borders and nearby communities from ongoing security threats.
He also stressed that Israel intends to protect its security without depending on US forces to defend its borders.
Reports of US Pressure on Israel
Katz’s comments followed reports that Trump privately urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw forces from parts of Syria and Lebanon.
According to Axios, Trump warned that Israel’s continued presence in Syria could increase regional tensions.
Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office has publicly confirmed the reported conversation.
Israel Maintains Military Presence in Syria
Israel expanded its military presence along the Syrian border following the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
After Assad’s government collapsed, Israeli forces entered a United Nations-monitored buffer zone on the Golan Heights that had previously separated Israeli and Syrian forces.
Israeli officials have argued that the deployment helps prevent armed groups from establishing positions near the border during Syria’s political transition.
Security Concerns Remain a Major Issue
Israel has also maintained military positions in parts of Lebanon and the Gaza Strip as it continues to address what it describes as security threats from armed groups.
The Israeli government says these deployments aim to protect border communities and prevent militant organisations from rebuilding their capabilities.
However, the continued presence of Israeli forces has drawn international criticism and added pressure to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Tensions Between Washington and Jerusalem
Katz’s latest remarks highlight a potential difference between Washington and Jerusalem over Israel’s regional military posture.
While the United States remains a major Israeli ally, reports of Trump urging Israel to reduce its deployments suggest growing concern in Washington about the broader regional consequences.
For now, Israel appears determined to maintain its security zones, arguing that the military presence remains essential to protecting its borders and communities.
