The United States has informed Israel of its plans to begin withdrawing troops from Syria within the next two months. While Israel expects a partial withdrawal, it is working to convince the U.S. to maintain a military presence in the region. The potential pullout raises concerns in Israel about the impact on regional dynamics, particularly with Turkey’s increased influence in Syria.
US TO BEGIN WITHDRAWAL FROM SYRIA WITHIN TWO MONTHS
The U.S. has reportedly notified Israel that it will initiate a phased withdrawal of American troops from Syria within the next two months. This information comes from Ynet news, which cited an unnamed senior Israeli official. The U.S. currently has about 2,000 soldiers stationed in Syria, and the announcement follows prior discussions about a potential pullout under the Trump administration.
ISRAEL’S CONCERNS OVER THE US PULLBACK
Although the U.S. plans a partial withdrawal, Israel remains concerned about the potential repercussions of a complete troop pullout. The Israeli official mentioned that Israel is actively engaging with U.S. counterparts to convince them to keep American forces in Syria. The concern centers on the geopolitical impact of such a move, with Israel fearing that a U.S. exit would lead to a greater Turkish presence and influence in Syria, which could heighten tensions between Israel and Turkey.
TURKEY’S INFLUENCE IN SYRIA
One of Israel’s primary concerns regarding a U.S. withdrawal is the prospect of Turkey expanding its control in Syria. The official noted that Turkey’s ambitions in the region could be amplified in the absence of American troops, potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East. The Israeli government is wary of the implications of such a shift, particularly in terms of its relationship with Turkey, which has historically been a complicated ally.
US WITHDRAWAL PLAN UNDER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
The decision to withdraw American troops from Syria aligns with prior discussions during the Trump administration, which had openly considered pulling out U.S. forces from the region. While President Trump did not act on this idea during his initial term, the current plans signal a continuation of his strategy to reduce U.S. military presence in the Middle East.
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