A US Envoy Walks Back His Comments on Golan Heights that Contradicted Trump's Position
Barrack’s comments on the Golan Heights drew criticism from Trump allies after he said Israel occupies the territory and it belongs to Syria.
- On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special presidential envoy Tom Barrack asserted that Israel "occupies" the Golan Heights, directly contradicting official U.S. policy established by President Donald Trump in 2019.
- President Trump signed a 2019 proclamation declaring the Golan Heights part of Israel, reversing decades of U.S. policy; Israel captured the plateau from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and formally annexed it in 1981.
- Far-Right activist Laura Loomer, a Trump ally, demanded Barrack "should resign for his lack of understanding of U.S. foreign policy," while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized the remarks as "full of inaccuracies."
- Barrack further suggested Israel's recent strike on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase was an "unnecessary escalation" intended to provoke Turkey, though Israel disputes this, claiming it acted to prevent Turkish military deployment.
- These comments highlight a rare public dispute between a senior administration envoy and the Israeli government, drawing scrutiny regarding the administration's broader approach to Middle Eastern policy and regional stability.
19 Articles
19 Articles
US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, faced backlash from pro-Trump circles within the MAGA (National Intelligence Organization) for his remarks that Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights violates international law. Laura Loomer, a close ally of Trump, called for Barrack's resignation.
Tension between Jerusalem, Ankara and Washington around the Syrian issue. The US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, strongly criticized the recent Israeli strikes in Syria, denouncing an "unnecessary escalation" and suggesting an electoral manoeuvre, while calling the Golan "occupied" territory. On the side of the Hebrew state, the political and military response has not been delayed.
Barrack says Israel is occupying Golan Heights, in spite of U.S. recognition
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who also serves as the U.S. special envoy for Syria, on Friday described Israel as occupying the Golan Heights, despite the U.S.’ recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the region. “In the Golan with Syria —they still occupy the Golan against the [United Nations] resolutions, against all of the international order which has said the Golan is Syria’s,” Barrack said during an appearance on commentator Mario Na…
US envoy says Israel ‘occupies’ Golan, US intelligence rejects claim of Turkish deployment in Syria
Speaking to Lebanese-Australian commentator Mario Nawfal, Barrack said Israel’s control of the Golan remains “against the UN resolutions, against all of the international order.”
Trump envoy Barrack faces criticism over Syria stance and Golan comments
Gideon Sa’ar criticized Barrack following the comments, saying they were “full of inaccuracies” and included positions that “contradict the position of Trump himself regarding the Golan Heights.”
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