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A US Envoy Clarifies His Comments on Golan Heights that Contradicted Trump's Position
Barrack said he meant the Golan was historically contested and that U.S. policy remains unchanged after his remarks drew criticism in Washington.
On Sunday, Ambassador Tom Barrack, United States special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, clarified his comments regarding the Golan Heights, stating United States policy remains unchanged since President Donald Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty in 2019.
In a Friday interview with Lebanese-Australian entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, Barrack had stated that Israel 'still' occupies the territory, a remark that appeared to contradict President Donald Trump's 2019 policy and prompted criticism from Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott.
Responding to criticism, Barrack emphasized that the United States does not negotiate with Hezbollah, clarifying that his remark about 'there are two people missing from that table' only addressed the complexity of Iran's financial support.
Following Israeli strikes last Tuesday on an airbase in northern Syria, tensions between Israel and Turkey have grown, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz defending the action as based on 'clear intelligence' to prevent Turkey from establishing a presence.
Barrack stated he cited the Golan as an example that 'territory taken by force remains contested for generations,' emphasizing his preference for durable agreements while clarifying he does not anticipate annexation in Lebanon.
US Ambassador Tom Barack had called for Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights. As the controversy escalated, he clarified that there had been no change from Trump's 2019 policy.