Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized President Trump's proposal that Syria handle Hezbollah in Lebanon, calling the idea 'completely ludicrous' and arguing that Israel must never entrust its security to Damascus. The senator noted Syria's human rights record and its role as a Russian proxy, and said Lebanon's failure to disarm Hezbollah under the new government shows the need for a different approach.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut) weighed in on the ongoing policy debate surrounding President Trump's proposal for Syria to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon, calling the idea 'completely ludicrous' in remarks carried by Israeli media on Wednesday afternoon.
Blumenthal, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary and Armed Services committees, listed several objections: Syria's poor human rights record, its history as a Russian proxy, and the fact that Hezbollah continues to attack Syrian territory — undercutting any assumption that Damascus could or would neutralize the group on Israel's behalf. 'Israel cannot in any way rely on Syria to be responsible for its defense,' he said.
The senator also noted that Lebanon's new government under President Joseph Aoun was supposed to disarm Hezbollah along the border but has failed to do so, arguing that the key is giving Beirut the tools and support it needs. He concluded that Israel should never entrust its security to Syria or any other state.
Blumenthal's intervention comes amid a series of statements and analyses on the Trump administration's emerging Lebanon policy. As The Zioneer reported earlier this week, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has already rejected the US proposal for Damascus to confront Hezbollah militarily, citing concerns about being seen as protecting Israel. Israeli security officials have expressed strong opposition to any Syrian role in Lebanon, while the senator's remarks reflect bipartisan unease with the idea.
- StrongTrump suggests Israel let Syria handle Hezbollah, raising concern in Lebanon
- StrongSyrian president al-Sharaa rejects US proposal to confront Hezbollah militarily in Lebanon, citing concern over perception and unmet Israeli demands
- DevelopingSenior Israeli security official: Hezbollah fears Syrian intervention in Lebanon more than IDF
- StrongTrump says he hopes the Lebanon situation can be resolved, acknowledges Hezbollah
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