Trump Suggests Syria Take on Hezbollah, Raising Fears in Lebanon

US President Donald Trump proposed on Tuesday that Israel let Syria “deal with Hezbollah,” arguing that Damascus would do a “better job.” This is the second time this month Trump has raised the idea. The suggestion touches on deep fears in Lebanon. Many Lebanese worry about Syria’s long history of interfering in their country’s affairs. They also fear the jihadist background of Syria’s new leadership. Hezbollah is a powerful Lebanese militant group backed by Iran. Trump’s proposal would effectively hand responsibility for confronting Hezbollah to Syria, a move that could destabilize Lebanon further.