Trump told Israel to let Syria attack Hezbollah in Lebanon

What Happened

US President Donald Trump stated at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, that he suggested Israel allow Syria to invade Lebanon to fight Hezbollah, asserting that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces could be more effective. Trump praised Sharaa as 'very capable,' claiming, 'If Israel can’t do the job, without killing everyone else, he’ll do the job.' This follows Trump’s 7 June remark that Sharaa 'would love to help' in Lebanon. The comments contradict a March denial by US envoy Tom Barrack that Washington lobbied Syria to invade Lebanon, while Reuters had reported US approval of a Syrian incursion into eastern Lebanon and that Damascus was 'cautiously considering' the operation. Syria’s government has publicly said it has no plans to deploy troops to Lebanon, citing its own post-war fragility and security concerns on its southern border, where Israel occupies a UN buffer zone and Mount Hermon.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Trump’s remarks signal a potential US policy pivot toward enlisting Syria against Hezbollah, risking a reprise of Syria’s 1976 invasion and occupation of Lebanon. Such a move could ignite sectarian violence between Salafist Syrian forces and Lebanese Shia communities, destabilize Lebanon, and draw in Iran. Contradictory US messaging—between Trump’s comments and envoy denials—undermines diplomatic coherence at a critical juncture, while Israel’s deepening presence in southern Syria adds complexity to any cross-border operation.

Watch For

Monitor any formal Syrian government response or troop movements near the Lebanese border; US-Syrian bilateral communications through Saudi or Qatari channels; Hezbollah and Iranian military or diplomatic reactions; and whether Israel adjusts its posture in Lebanon or the occupied Golan buffer zone following Trump’s remarks.