Trump eyes Syrian intervention against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Trump’s overture follows his public rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he recently criticized for excessive civilian casualties during strikes on the Lebanese capital. While characterizing the conflict with Hezbollah as a minor distraction compared to the broader tensions with Iran, Trump argued that Syrian forces—led by the former al-Qaeda commander who deposed Bashar al-Assad—would be more effective at neutralizing the Shi’ite militia.

Despite Trump’s praise for Sharaa’s ability to stabilize Syria, the proposal faces significant diplomatic hurdles. Damascus has publicly dismissed reports of a potential incursion into Lebanon as unfounded, citing fears of being dragged into a sectarian conflict. Although U.S. officials reportedly pressured Syria in March to assist in disarming the group, Sharaa remains wary of the risks associated with such a mission. Trump, however, remains insistent, maintaining that Israel’s current reliance on heavy bombardment of civilian infrastructure is a failed tactical approach.