Many Republicans have raised questions about America’s relationship with Israel. Now the president is getting in on the action.
And Donald Trump called out Israel in a move that’s sure to ruffle feathers.
Trump Urges Israel to Avoid Disrupting Syria’s Stabilization Efforts
President Donald Trump emphasized the need for uninterrupted progress in Syria’s transition to stability, posting on Truth Social that his administration is “very satisfied with the results displayed, through hard work and determination, in the Country of Syria.”
He credited the lifting of U.S. sanctions—implemented earlier this year—with aiding the process, stating: “One of the things that has helped them greatly was my termination of very strong and biting sanctions — I believe this was truly appreciated by Syria, its Leadership, and its People!”
Trump’s remarks, issued Monday, followed a recent Israeli military operation in southern Syria and a phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. leader described the current moment as a “historic opportunity” for Middle East peace, adding to what he called the “SUCCESS, already attained, for PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!”
Post-Raid Call for Dialogue Amid Syrian-Israeli Tensions
Trump specifically addressed Israel, saying: “It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State.”
He praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power nearly a year ago after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, noting that al-Sharaa “is working diligently to make sure good things happen, and that both Syria and Israel will have a long and prosperous relationship together.”
The comments came days after an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) raid in the village of Beit Jinn, near the occupied Golan Heights. The operation, conducted overnight on November 27-28, targeted suspects from the Jaama Islamiya terrorist organization, which the IDF described as planning attacks against Israeli civilians.
According to an IDF statement on X: “IDF troops conducted an operation to apprehend suspects from the Jaama Islamiya terrorist organization operating in the Beit Jinn area of southern Syria. During the activity, several armed terrorists opened fire at the troops. IDF soldiers responded with live fire, supported by aerial assistance.”
“As a result of the incident, several reservists were injured and were evacuated to the hospital to receive medical treatment. The operation concluded with all suspects apprehended and several terrorists eliminated,” the IDF added. Six IDF soldiers were wounded, three seriously.
Syrian state media reported at least 13 deaths, including civilians, in the ensuing clashes and airstrikes, with the Syrian Foreign Ministry condemning the raid as a “war crime” and accusing Israel of seeking to destabilize the region. The incident marked one of the deadliest Israeli operations in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime.
Netanyahu-Trump Discussion on Gaza and Regional Peace
Netanyahu and Trump spoke by phone on Monday, focusing on shared priorities. According to Netanyahu’s office on X: “The two leaders stressed the importance and obligation of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, and discussed expanding the peace agreements.” Trump extended an invitation for Netanyahu to visit the White House soon.
The conversation occurred amid U.S. efforts to integrate Syria into broader normalization initiatives, such as the Abraham Accords, which Trump has championed since his first term. Al-Sharaa met Trump at the White House in November, where discussions included counterterrorism, reducing Iranian influence, and potential Syrian-Israeli ties.
Analysts note that while Trump views al-Sharaa as a pragmatic partner, Israel remains cautious about the former rebel leader’s background and Syria’s internal security challenges.
