Trump Wants Syria To Handle Hezbollah Instead of Israel. Here's Why That Matters

Last Updated:June 16, 2026, 17:12 IST

Despite Trump's confidence in Sharaa, significant questions remain about whether Syria possesses capability or regional backing needed to curb Hezbollah.

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Syria, rather than Israel, should take the lead in dealing with Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, signalling a potentially significant shift in Washington’s thinking on regional security.

Expressing frustration over the mounting casualties from Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, Trump praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and said Damascus could be more effective in handling the militiant group.

“If Israel can’t do the job (against Hezbollah) without killing everyone else, then he (Sharaa) will do the job. Syria will do the job," Trump said at the G7 summit.

Trump said Israel had been fighting Hezbollah for too long and at too high a human cost.

“I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, as, to be honest with you, I think they would do a better job," he said.

Amid reports of strains in his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump also appeared to criticise Israel’s handling of the conflict.

“Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon," Trump said.

“I am not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and Hezbollah. They should have been able to do the job faster."

Why Trump’s Remarks Matter

Trump’s comments come at a time when the Israel-Hezbollah conflict continues to threaten regional stability and complicate broader diplomatic efforts involving the US and Iran.

For decades, Syria and Hezbollah were among the closest allies in the Middle East. However, the political transformation in Damascus following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has altered that relationship, creating a new geopolitical reality that Washington may now see as an opportunity.

If Syria were to assume a mediating or security role in Lebanon, it could potentially position itself as a bridge between the US, Israel and Hezbollah. Such a development could help reduce tensions while simultaneously strengthening Syria’s standing with Western and Arab governments.

For Damascus, the incentives are significant. The country is seeking international assistance for reconstruction and economic recovery after years of devastating conflict. Greater cooperation with Washington could potentially lead to increased diplomatic engagement, sanctions relief or reconstruction support.

Syria’s Long History With Lebanon & Hezbollah

Syria’s influence in Lebanon stretches back decades. The two countries were part of the same Ottoman administrative region before becoming separate states in the modern era.

Syrian troops entered Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War in 1976 and remained there for nearly three decades. The military presence ended in 2005 following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the mass anti-Syrian demonstrations known as the Cedar Revolution.

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, further intertwined the destinies of the two countries. Lebanon absorbed millions of Syrians fleeing the conflict, while political divisions inside Lebanon increasingly reflected attitudes toward the Syrian government.

From Strategic Allies To Uncertain Ties

Hezbollah’s relationship with Syria dates back to the group’s emergence in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War and Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon.

For years, Syria served as the main transit corridor for Iranian weapons and supplies destined for Hezbollah. The arrangement helped cement a strategic alliance built on shared opposition to Israel and common regional interests.

Under Assad, cooperation reached unprecedented levels. Syria facilitated the movement of Iranian support to Hezbollah, while Hezbollah deployed thousands of fighters to help Assad’s government survive the Syrian civil war.

The rise of Syria’s new leadership, however, has changed the equation.

Damascus is now focused on rebuilding state institutions, restoring relations with Arab neighbours, attracting foreign investment and re-establishing international legitimacy. Those priorities do not always align with the interests of the Iran-Hezbollah axis.

As a result, Hezbollah’s traditional supply routes through Syria have become less secure, and the once-close relationship has grown increasingly complicated.

Can Syria Really ‘Take Care of Hezbollah’?

Despite Trump’s confidence in Sharaa, significant questions remain about whether Syria possesses the political influence, military capability or regional backing needed to curb Hezbollah’s power inside Lebanon.

Hezbollah remains deeply embedded in Lebanese politics and society, while Syria continues to grapple with the challenges of post-war reconstruction.

Nevertheless, Trump’s remarks underscore how dramatically regional dynamics have shifted. A country that once served as Hezbollah’s most important ally is now being discussed in Washington as a potential partner in managing the militia.

Whether Syria can translate that opportunity into a meaningful diplomatic role remains uncertain, but its evolving relationship with both the West and regional actors is increasingly making Damascus a pivotal player in the Middle East’s changing political landscape.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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