Ankara: US President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Thursday to pull Israeli troops out of Syria and Lebanon, Axios reported on Tuesday. Citing US and Israeli officials, the report noted Trump told Netanyahu that the Israeli military's presence in Syrian territory was creating tensions and could lead to further escalation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump conveyed to Netanyahu that the continued military presence in these regions was unwelcome and suggested that Israel should redeploy its forces. "They don't want you there. You should redeploy," Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, according to a US official cited by Axios.

The report also claimed that Trump made a similar request regarding Lebanon. However, Netanyahu countered by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining security zones along Israel's borders. This exchange underscores the differing strategic priorities between the two leaders.

Axios reported that the phone call took place a day after Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Trkiye. This interaction is part of the Trump administration's ongoing attempts to facilitate a security arrangement between Israel and Syria, aiming to reduce regional tensions and foster stability.