Israel's War Minister Informs Washington of His Refusal to Withdraw His Troops from Syria

Israeli War Minister Yisrael Katz told his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth on Thursday that Israel is determined to keep its troops in what it calls "security zones" it has established inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

A statement from the Israeli minister's office said Katz assured Hegeseth during a conversation on Wednesday  night of Israel's "determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon to protect Israel's borders and communities near the border from threats from jihadist forces."

"We have never asked the United States to act on our behalf along our borders, and we are determined to defend the people of Israel against any threat, and that is precisely what we intend to do," the statement from Katz's office added.

Trump urges Netanyahu to withdraw troops from Syria

  A US official told Axios on Tuesday, July 14, that US President Donald Trump called on Israeli  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a phone call, to start withdrawing Israeli forces from Syrian territory and proceeding with redeployment operations in Lebanon.

The U.S. official said Trump told Netanyahu that Israel's military presence in Syria "exacerbates tensions and may lead to escalation," adding that he told him, "They don't want you there. You should redeploy," the official said, adding that the same situation applies to Lebanon.

The call came the day after Trump's meeting with President Ahmed al-Shara on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey, and according to the website, Trump's demands come at a time when Netanyahu is facing increasing political pressure ahead of elections crucial for his political survival, as he is unlikely to make a broad withdrawal from areas occupied by Israel in Syria or additional steps in Lebanon beyond what he previously agreed.

Netanyahu cancels trip to Washington

Netanyahu has modified his visit to the United States next week, and his office said in a statement that it appears that the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham (a prominent supporter of Israel) will be postponed until the end of the month.

"Therefore, the prime minister will not travel to the United States of America next week," the  statement added, and Israeli media reported on Wednesday that Netanyahu will leave for Washington on Saturday, and will meet with US President Donald Trump on Monday and attend Graham's funeral on Tuesday.

But on Wednesday evening, the American website "Axios" quoted an unnamed senior White House official as saying that "Trump's agenda does not include, so far, a meeting with Netanyahu next week."