I’m close to giving it over to Syria,’ US president says of war with Iran-backed terror group; Netanyahu defends buffer zone as Lebanon conflict threatens to derail Iran talks.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday ruled out intervening militarily in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, after US President Donald Trump again suggested Damascus could get involved and expressed frustration with Israel’s fight against the Iran-backed terror group. Trump’s comments to Fox News on Sunday came as the conflict in Lebanon has threatened to derail US-Iranian negotiations underway in Switzerland. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on the Israeli military’s need to maintain a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, as the IDF reportedly urged Israel’s political leadership to intensify negotiations with the Lebanese government. The sides are slated to meet again this week.
Trump and US Vice President JD Vance have both repeatedly complained about Israel’s conduct in the Lebanon conflict, portraying it as a possible spoiler of the talks with Iran. Trump lashed out at Hezbollah in a social media post earlier on Sunday, but has chided Israel both for civilian casualties in its Lebanon strikes, and for not defeating Hezbollah quickly enough.
He repeated those sentiments in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, saying he is “disappointed Israel can’t put Hezbollah away.” “They can’t do anything without knocking buildings down,” the president added. Then, referriIAF ng to the fight against Hezbollah, he said, “I’m close to giving it over to Syria.” But Sharaa, who has been focused on rebuilding Syria and gaining domestic and international legitimacy since his Islamist forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, rejected the idea of Syrian forces going to war against Hezbollah, a former Assad ally. (Ed note: "Can't put Hezbollah away?" Come on, Trump! The IDF had Hezbollah in a hole and YOU told Israel to 'stand down' over the matter. The IAF had Hezbollah commanders in a building in a district of Beirut, and you screamed, "Why are you always blowing up buildings?" Because Hezbollah and Hamas always hide in buildings.) Always keep one eye on the state of Syria.) (Read More)
