Disagreements persist between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington over the initial phase of Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israel seeks a step-by-step approach contingent on Lebanese army actions against Hezbollah, while Lebanon prioritizes immediate withdrawal.
Israel fears a new US-Iran understanding, brokered by Donald Trump, could legitimize Tehran's influence in Lebanon and restrict Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. The emerging deal, stemming from recent talks in Switzerland, reportedly includes Iran but excludes Israel from a new "deconfliction cell," raising concerns about operational freedom and a potential US pressure for withdrawal.
Israel is reportedly considering a "symbolic" troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon ahead of upcoming talks in the United States. The potential pullback would involve forces from minor areas behind the "Yellow Line."
Israeli PM Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon in the foreseeable future, citing security needs and the "security zone" as a barrier against Hezbollah. Lebanon considers the area occupied territory.
The US announced a partial withdrawal of its military capabilities from Europe, particularly in naval and air forces. While the military impact may be limited, the political damage to NATO's credibility is significant. This move, however, could push European governments to increase their defense spending and reform EU foreign and security policy, potentially revitalizing NATO.
Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya condemned Israel's "aggressive actions" against Lebanon, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory. Nebenzya stated that a genuine ceasefire cannot be achieved without this withdrawal.
President Trump announced on Truth social media that the US will send 5,000 additional soldiers to Poland, reversing a previous decision to withdraw troops from Europe. This move comes amid tensions with NATO allies over their support for US actions in Iran.
NATO Sec Gen Mark Rutte downplayed fears over US troop withdrawals, stating they are 'rotational forces' and won't harm defense readiness. He noted US pivot to Asia is expected and tied to European defense spending increases.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the US decision to withdraw 4,000-5,000 troops from Europe will not impact NATO's defense planning, as these are rotational forces. The US is shifting focus to Asia, and European allies seek clarification ahead of a July NATO summit.
NATO commander Alexus Grynkewich stated that the US troop withdrawal from Europe will be a multi-year process, coordinated with allies strengthening their own defenses. He noted Trump's decision to pull 5,000 troops from Germany is the only near-term withdrawal he's aware of.
NATO's top military commander, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, stated he doesn't anticipate further U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe in the near term, despite allies pressing him to fill gaps left by Donald Trump's decision to pull thousands of soldiers. Grynkewich noted that redeployments are an ongoing process that will take several years, with European allies tasked with building capacity to replace U.S. forces and equipment.
Vilseck's new mayor, Thorsten Grädler, was informed of potential US troop withdrawal impacting 12,000-13,000 residents and an $800M annual revenue loss. Locals express disbelief and sadness over the potential departure of American soldiers and their families.
It wasn’t clear why the Defense secretary issued the order not to send troops on a routine mission to a country the administration refers to as a “model ally.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun demands Israel stop attacking civil defense personnel and comply with the April 17 ceasefire agreement after two personnel were killed in Nabatieh.
A German lawmaker from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party expressed no concern over US plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, suggesting they may be redeployed to Poland or Romania.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added that in late May, the foreign ministers of EU countries intended to consider "a list of demands to Russia"
The U.S. has cancelled plans to deploy long-range Tomahawk missiles to Germany as part of a broader troop withdrawal. The move leaves NATO with a significant deterrence gap against Russian Iskander missiles, with no immediate European alternative available until at least 2030.
The source said that Washington did not notify its allies about the troop withdrawal, and its announcement took the NATO command by surprise
EU diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed surprise at the U.S. plan to withdraw troops from Germany, urging Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities within NATO as reliance on American forces becomes less certain.
European leaders at a summit in Yerevan, Armenia said Trump’s decision to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Germany came as a surprise but signals Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. The Pentagon announced pulling about 5,000 troops, but Trump said the cut would be "way further" than that. The move follows disputes with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and European reluctance to participate. EU officials emphasized the need to strengthen the European pillar in NATO, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte played down the move.
European leaders at a summit in Yerevan said Trump's decision to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Germany came as a surprise but underscores Europe's need to strengthen its own security. The Pentagon announced pulling some 5,000 troops, but Trump said the cut would go further. The move follows disputes with German Chancellor Merz over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and European reluctance to participate. EU officials announced plans to increase tariffs on cars to 25%.
Trump threatens 25% tariffs on European cars and troop withdrawal from Germany, sparking scramble for EU response. Meanwhile, nearly 50 leaders gather in Yerevan for European Political Community summit amid concerns Putin may test NATO commitment in coming years.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany, surprising NATO allies. European leaders at a summit in Yerevan said the move highlights Europe's need to strengthen its own security pillar within NATO. The decision comes amid an escalating dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, with Trump angered by European allies' reluctance to participate in the Middle East conflict.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to defuse transatlantic tensions on Sunday, acknowledging differences with President Donald Trump after the U.S. leader insulted him on social media and threatened to withdraw American troops from Germany. Merz defended his blunt communication style despite criticism at home, while expressing concern over stalled U.S. missile deployments and fresh tariff threats targeting EU exports, particularly German automobiles.
