Israel concerned about Trump’s plan to withdraw US troops from Syria
US forces patrol in Syria's northeastern city Qamishli, in the al-Hasakah province, on Jan. 9, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Israel has expressed concern over reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to withdraw thousands of American troops from Syria, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN).
US officials inform Israel of potential troop withdrawal
KAN reported that senior White House officials have conveyed Trump’s intention to Israeli counterparts, stating that the withdrawal of American forces from Syria could have significant security implications for the region.
The report noted that the decision has raised alarms in Tel Aviv, particularly regarding its potential impact on the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Syria. Also in recent days, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently held a phone call with Ilham Ahmed, a so-called senior leader of the PKK/YPG terrorist group, a conversation that’s the highest-level contact to date between Israel and the terrorist group.
Contacts between Israel and the PKK/YPG might be are highly likely to be perceived by Ankara as direct threats to Türkiye’s national security and territorial integrity.
“The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria is expected to affect the PKK/YPG,” the report stated.
Israeli officials express concern over regional stability
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently reinforced Israel’s stance on maintaining its military presence in the Golan Heights.
Speaking about Israel’s territorial control over Sheikh (Hermon) Mountain, he asserted that Israeli forces would remain “permanently” stationed in the region.
KAN’s report also emphasized that Washington’s decision could have repercussions beyond Israel, potentially affecting the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which receives U.S. support.
Terrorist group PKK/YPG, which occupies areas in northeastern Syria, has recently sought diplomatic assistance from Israel to ensure continued U.S. military presence in the region amid growing concerns over a potential American withdrawal.
Pentagon revises US troop numbers in Syria
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has recently adjusted its official count of American military personnel stationed in Syria. While previous reports indicated that approximately 900 U.S. troops were present in the country, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder stated that the actual number is closer to 2,000.
According to Ryder, these forces were initially deployed before the fall of the Assad regime, and their numbers increased temporarily to bolster operations against Daesh. However, he declined to comment on troop levels in Iraq, stating, “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
Israeli media highlights potential policy shift under Trump
Israeli state media suggests that Trump’s potential return to the White House could bring a significant shift in U.S. Middle East policy, particularly concerning its military footprint in Syria.
The reports claim that high-ranking White House officials have informed Israeli authorities of Trump’s desire to reduce or entirely withdraw U.S. military forces from the region.
Israel expands its occupation in Golan Heights
In a separate development, the Israeli military has been reinforcing its illegal presence in the occupied Golan Heights, particularly in the Hermon Mountain region.
The Israeli army recently released images showing newly established “temporary military outposts” on the Syrian side of the mountain.
A statement from the Israeli army confirmed that new insulated structures, generators, heating systems, and winter military gear had been deployed to support Israeli troops illegally stationed there.
Israeli authorities have stated that these “military expansions” are intended to protect Israeli settlements in the occupied region.
Defense Minister Katz has previously ordered Israeli forces to maintain a stronghold in the area, citing security concerns.
Reactions and uncertainty over US policy shift
While the White House has not officially confirmed reports of an imminent U.S. withdrawal from Syria, the news has sparked a significant debate in Israel.
Israeli officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding KAN’s report, leaving uncertainty over how Tel Aviv might respond to such a policy shift.
