The United States has informed Israel that it will begin a phased withdrawal of its forces from Syria within two months, Israeli outlet Ynet reported Tuesday.
According to the report, Israeli officials were briefed on the timeline earlier this week. Despite efforts by Jerusalem to persuade Washington to maintain its troop presence, a senior Israeli official told Ynet that those attempts were unsuccessful, though discussions continue in hopes of modifying or delaying the decision.
According to Turkish outlet Türkiye Today, early signs of the withdrawal have already been observed on the ground.
Videos circulating on social media show U.S. military convoys transporting equipment from bases in southern Hasakah toward the Syrian-Iraqi border at al-Yarubiyah. The trucks, which reportedly entered Syria empty from northern Iraq, are believed to be involved in early logistical preparations for the exit of American forces.
US military convoy moves towards the Ain al-Asad base in Anbar province in western Iraq. pic.twitter.com/8vG7s19nuN
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Approximately 2,000 U.S. troops remain in Syria, where they have been stationed at strategic points in the country’s east and north. These forces have supported counterterrorism operations and deterred Iranian and Turkish advances since their initial deployment in 2014.
Israeli officials view their presence as a stabilizing factor and fear that the withdrawal could embolden Turkish ambitions in Syria.
Israeli defense leaders are particularly concerned about the possibility of Turkish military deployments into central and eastern Syria, especially near Palmyra and the T-4 airbase, areas that would affect Israeli air operations and regional deterrence.
The T-4 airbase has recently come under Israeli airstrikes following reports that Turkey plans to take control of the facility.
Last week, Israeli and Turkish officials held talks in Azerbaijan aimed at managing growing tensions. According to Israeli sources, the government delivered a clear message that any Turkish move to establish permanent bases in Syria, particularly far from Turkey’s border, would be viewed as a serious provocation.
