According to reports from Israeli media on the 26th, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told his cabinet that the United States wants Israel to pull its forces out of Syria, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip – but he’s planning to refuse.
Netanyahu (left) and Trump
The reports, citing anonymous sources, say Washington is hoping to see the Israeli Defense Forces carry out “a series of withdrawals” on these three battlefronts. However, it’s still unclear whether they’re talking about a partial pullback or a full exit.
Netanyahu reportedly told his cabinet members that he intends to “resist on his own.” He said, “I will say no to them (the US).”
As of now, there’s been no official response from either the US or Israel.
Just before this news broke, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on the 24th that, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu plans to leave for Washington on the 27th for a visit. As part of the trip, he’s scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on the 28th and attend the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.