US Ambassador Discusses Israeli Strikes on Lebanon and Syria with Netanyahu

The U.S. Special Representative for Syria, Thomas Barak, has arrived in Israel, where he discussed the issue of Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Syria with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing three Israeli and American sources.

“U.S. Ambassador Tom Barak arrived in Israel and met with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday regarding the Trump administration’s request for Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon and to negotiate with Syria,” Ravid wrote on social media.

The U.S. administration is simultaneously promoting new security agreements between Israel and Lebanon, as well as between Israel and Syria, as a first step toward possible normalization of relations. American officials note that as the war in Gaza continues, it is important for Israel to reduce tensions along its borders with Syria and Lebanon and to secure new agreements with neighboring countries.

In February, the Israeli Defense Forces concluded their withdrawal from southern Lebanon in accordance with a ceasefire agreement reached with Israeli authorities in November 2024, following a year of continuous military escalation. At the same time, the Israeli army remained at five strategic positions in southern Lebanon, citing security monitoring interests.