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Trump Rejects Netanyahu's Sanctions Request; Congress Lifts Syria Sanctions

12/22/2025

24 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump Rejects Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to maintain some sanctions on Syria.
Netanyahu's aides sought to keep certain sanctions in place.
Trump's advisers favored a complete repeal.
Congress voted to lift sanctions imposed under former President Bashar al-Assad, enabling foreign investment in Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the repeal, thanking Trump and regional leaders.

Left

Europe Condemns Sanctions

Finland, France, Belgium, and Denmark condemned the US sanctions on two International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, citing judicial independence.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions, stating the judges were involved in targeting Israel.
The ICC denounced the sanctions as an attack on its impartiality.
This development follows tensions over war crimes allegations against Israeli officials in Gaza, where casualties have risen.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Syria in response to the Assad regime's violent repression during the civil war, significantly impacting its economy. In May 2025, President Trump announced the lifting of these sanctions, aiming to normalize relations with Syria's new government after Assad's ousting in December 2024. This shift may lead to increased foreign investment and further complicate regional stability.

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Trump Rejects Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to maintain some sanctions on Syria.
Netanyahu's aides sought to keep certain sanctions in place.
Trump's advisers favored a complete repeal.
Congress voted to lift sanctions imposed under former President Bashar al-Assad, enabling foreign investment in Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the repeal, thanking Trump and regional leaders.

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