U.S. ambassador clarifies comments on Golan Heights that contradicted Trump's position
Summary
The U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria clarified his earlier comments about Israel's control over the Golan Heights, confirming that U.S. policy set by President Trump in 2019 remains unchanged. The ambassador also addressed criticisms about his remarks on Israel's military actions in Syria and negotiations involving Hezbollah and Lebanon.Key Facts
- Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and annexed it in 1981.
- Most countries and the United Nations see the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian land and do not recognize Israel's annexation.
- In 2019, President Trump recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, changing long-standing U.S. policy.
- Ambassador Tom Barrack initially said Israel "still" occupies the Golan Heights, but later explained he was describing the territory’s history, not U.S. policy.
- Barrack also criticized Israel's strikes on a Syrian airbase aimed at preventing Turkish military presence.
- Israel defends the strikes as necessary for its security against Turkey's influence in Syria.
- Barrack clarified that the U.S. does not negotiate with Hezbollah, a group considered a terrorist organization by the U.S.
- He noted that Iran supplies weapons to Hezbollah, which complicates negotiations with Lebanon.
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