Senators Urge Reconsideration of Syrian Pullout

BEIRUT (AP) — The Latest on the Trump administration's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

A bipartisan group of senators is urging President Donald Trump to abandon his plan to withdraw U.S. troops from the war in Syria.

Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Jack Reed of Rhode Island say they have growing support for a resolution urging the president to change his strategy.

Trump abruptly decided to withdraw troops against the advice of top military and diplomatic leaders. The move blindsided lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Graham on Thursday said Trump's decision is being celebrated by leaders in Russia, Iran and terrorist camps of the Islamic State group.

He added, "We are all worried about the consequences."

Graham said a big bipartisan group would support Trump if he reversed course.

Israel's prime minister says he has spoken to President Donald Trump about Syria.

Benjamin Netanyahu's office said late Thursday that the two leaders discussed "ways to continue cooperation between Israel and the United States against Iranian aggression."

Earlier Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel would increase its activity in Syria against Iran following the U.S. decision to withdraw forces from the country.

Israel says it will not allow archenemy Iran to establish a permanent military presence in Syria. It has carried out scores of airstrikes in recent years, primarily to prevent Iran from shipping what it says are sophisticated weapons to Hezbollah.