Beirut, Lebanon– The United States has informed Israel that it plans to begin a gradual withdrawal of its military forces from northeastern Syria within the next two months, according to a report by Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth published Tuesday.
Israeli officials had urged Washington to keep its forces in Syria, arguing their presence was crucial for regional stability and to counter growing Turkish influence following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. However, U.S. security officials reportedly declined the request, reaffirming President Donald Trump’s earlier pledge to draw down American troops from the region.
Read also: U.S.-Led Coalition Rejects Syria’s Request to Join Anti-ISIS Alliance
The report comes amid increasing diplomatic friction between Turkey and Israel over influence in post-Assad Syria. Israeli officials fear that a U.S. exit could embolden Turkey to expand its military control in the north, potentially putting it at odds with Israeli interests and operations in the region.
“The U.S. administration has kept its Israeli allies informed of developments related to Israel’s security, but the decision to proceed with the withdrawal appears final,” the paper quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying.
The concern in Tel Aviv centres around a potential power vacuum that could allow Turkish forces to consolidate control over strategic military positions, especially as Ankara continues to assert its military presence across northern Syria.
Failed Israeli-Turkish Talks
The planned U.S. withdrawal comes as initial negotiations between Turkey and Israel over deconfliction mechanisms in Syria have reportedly failed. According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, talks held in Azerbaijan last week ended without agreement and were further strained when Turkey denied airspace access to an Israeli military jet carrying a diplomatic delegation to the meeting.
Read also: Renewed Warnings Over ISIS Resurgence in Syria
The talks aim to establish coordination channels to avoid direct confrontation between Israeli and Turkish forces operating in Syria.
Kan reported that further negotiations are expected to resume after the Jewish holiday of Passover, which runs from April 12 to 19.
The Israeli delegation reportedly included top national security and military officials, including National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi and senior defence figures.
