Netanyahu asks Trump to keep sanctions against Syria.. and the latter ignores him.

The American website "Axios" revealed, citing Israeli officials, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last month "not to lift sanctions on Syria," expressing concern about "Turkey's role in Syria."

The site added that the Trump administration did not inform Israel in advance of its decision to hold a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, or about its intention to lift sanctions on Damascus, causing dissatisfaction in Israeli circles.

On the other hand, the newspaper "Israel Hayom" reported that Netanyahu has begun intensive preparations to face diplomatic challenges with the Trump administration, holding a series of consultations with his government ministers and top security officials, and forming a "special team" to address sensitive issues related to US-Israeli relations.

The newspaper explained that this team "focuses not on diplomatic or security aspects, but on political and media strategies," indicating that Netanyahu will not resort to public speeches against Trump, because the biggest challenge lies in "his Republican Christian base that supports Israel unconditionally."

The newspaper reported that magnifying Israeli criticisms of Trump may push Republicans and conservatives in Congress to "pressure the US president to adjust his positions in favor of Israel."

This comes after Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating that the decision aims to "give the Syrian people a chance for growth and development," confirming that it was made after consultations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The US Treasury Department stated that it is working with the State Department and the National Security Council to implement Trump's directives, which include "lifting asset freezes, lifting restrictions on financial transfers, and providing technology to Syria," after they were suspended due to violations by the former Bashar al-Assad regime.