US President Donald Trump stated during the NATO summit in Ankara that he believed Israel would withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, a move he attributed to Israel’s own initiative, despite his leader’s opposing remarks.
Trump confirmed during the summit that discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had taken place regarding this potential withdrawal.
The US president emphasized his expectation that Israel would proceed with the withdrawal, stating, “Yeah, I think they’re going to. I think they want to,” and underscored confidence in the underlying security agreement with Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had recently visited Lebanese territory under Israeli military control, asserting that Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon as long as Iran-backed Hezbollah remained an active threat.
The agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by the US on June 26, mandates the transfer of two strategic areas to Lebanon’s military forces under a phased timeline.
