Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told ministers he will reject US demands to withdraw Israeli forces from security zones in Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, setting up a confrontation with Washington ahead of high-level talks.
Netanyahu plans to deliver the refusal in person at the White House on Tuesday during his first meeting with President Donald Trump since the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. He said he would oppose the American request "with all his force," according to Italian media citing cabinet proceedings.
The dispute comes as Israel's cabinet on Sunday approved the deployment of International Stabilization Forces into Gaza under Trump's 20-point plan. Morocco intends to contribute about 500 troops to the force, with soldiers from Kazakhstan, Kosovo and up to 200 personnel from allied nations including Uganda also expected to participate.