ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering giving Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa the "green light" to launch a military offensive against Hezbollah while also suggesting that Israel should withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon and southern Syria, remarks that could have significant implications for the region's security landscape.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump said, "It would be good if Israel withdrew from parts of Lebanon and southern Syria." Referring to al-Sharaa, he added, "He wants to storm Hezbollah and eliminate it, and I'm thinking of giving him the green light."
Trump's remarks come shortly after an internationally mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon sought to ease cross-border hostilities, although the truce has remained fragile amid continued allegations of violations by both sides.
Israel still maintains military positions in parts of southern Lebanon and southern Syria, citing the need to counter Hezbollah and other Iran-backed armed groups operating near its borders.
Trump's suggestion that Israel withdraw from some of those areas could point to support for a new regional security arrangement under which Syrian authorities assume greater responsibility for border security.
The interview followed separate meetings in Ankara between Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. According to reports, the discussions focused on regional security, countering Iranian influence, and post-conflict reconstruction in Syria, while highlighting Turkey's growing role as a regional mediator.
Trump's comments are expected to fuel speculation over a possible Syrian military operation against Hezbollah positions, potentially with U.S. political, intelligence, or logistical backing.
Such a development could reshape the security dynamics along the Syria-Lebanon border, increase pressure on Iran's regional network of allied groups, and test the durability of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. Neither Israel nor Syrian officials have publicly commented on Trump's remarks, and Hezbollah has yet to issue a response.
