Associated Press Reports “Tense” Conversation between Trump and Netanyahu

The Associated Press is describing a Wednesday telephone call between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as “tense” despite contrary descriptions from both sides presented in standard diplo-speak. At issue is the American president’s determination to withdraw all US troops from Syria – ideally within six months – while the range of those opposed to the Trump diktat range from the president’s own advisers to the Israeli premier. For Netanyahu, though, the matter is arguably more severe because the removal of American troops leaves the playing field clear for an unobstructed infiltration by Iranian forces and installations along with its terror proxies on Israel’s doorstep. The AP report carries no attributions confirming the “tense” nature of the conversation. But while there has been no public announcement of a timetable for withdrawing some 2,000 US troops, President Trump is known to favor the early pullout while some advisers argue that ISIS is still active and will no doubt revitalize its fighting force absent the American-led coalition. Perhaps even more insidious from the Israeli perspective is the clear and unambiguous plans by Tehran to build nuclear facilities and man military bases inside of Syria, providing an existential threat to Israel. Pro-Assad media already reports a planned May offensive against the towns of Daraa and Quneitra, both on Israel’s doorstep. Beyond the issue of the coalition pulling out, Trump and Netanyahu watchers are staying alert to indications that the euphoric relationship between the American and Israeli right-wings is cracking. The Trump-Netanyahu conversation preceded word that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s forces again used chemical weapons against rebels and civilians. “Dozens” of deaths were reported Saturday night in the eastern Syrian town of Douma according to medical relief workers.