Israeli Prime Minister says discussed Syria, hostage release with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he held talks with United States President-elect Donald Trump, focusing on Syria and other key regional issues.

During their conversation, Netanyahu pointed to shifts in the Middle East, claiming that Israeli operations in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and Syria have diminished Iran's influence over the past year.

The Israeli prime minister maintained that Israel has "no interest in confronting Syria directly" but said future policy will be guided by "the evolving reality on the ground.

"He added that the strikes aimed to prevent weapons from being used against Israel or transferred from Syria to Hezbollah. Netanyahu also said his conversation with Trump included efforts to secure the release of around 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.