U.S. Syria Envoy Walks Back Golan Heights Comment Contradicting Trump
U.S. special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack on Sunday, August 23, clarified that his remark about the Golan Heights did not change U.S. policy and reaffirmed President Trump's 2019 recognition of Israeli sovereignty.[1]
Barrack told the Associated Press that his earlier remark described the Golan's historical status and was not a departure from the administration's position.[1] He also said the United States does not negotiate with Hezbollah and that his criticism of missing parties at Lebanon-Israel talks was meant to highlight Iran's role in arming Hezbollah.[1]
On Friday, August 21, Barrack had said in an interview that Israel 'still' occupies the Golan Heights in violation of United Nations resolutions.[1] Those comments, plus his criticism of Israeli strikes on a Syrian airbase, drew sharp backlash from Israeli officials and U.S. Republicans, including Sen. Rick Scott.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, August 21, 2026, Tom Barrack said in an interview that Israel 'still' occupies the Golan Heights in violation of U.N. resolutions.
- On Sunday, August 23, 2026, Barrack told the Associated Press that his remark described historical status and that U.S. policy remains Trump's 2019 recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
- Barrack clarified that the U.S. does not negotiate with Hezbollah and said his comments about missing parties at Lebanon-Israel talks were meant to highlight Iran's role in supplying Hezbollah's weapons.
- The initial Golan comments and criticism of Israeli strikes on a Syrian airbase drew backlash from Israeli officials and U.S. Republicans, including Sen. Rick Scott.
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