Trump Predicts Israeli Withdrawal From South Lebanon

U.S. President Donald Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara that he thinks Israel will withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, telling reporters after his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that he had discussed the move with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said Israel and Lebanon are getting along and signing deals, and predicted the outcome will work out very well. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the IDF will stay in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely disarmed, a position he reiterated on a recent visit to Israeli forces in the security zone. The gap keeps Israel's freedom of action against Hezbollah rebuilding on the table while Jerusalem, Beirut and Washington move toward Rome talks on the June 26 framework.