Tom Barak made unusual statements about the Golan Heights and Hezbollah - and quickly backtracked

U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barak called Israeli control of the Golan Heights "an occupation violating UN resolutions," contradicting official U.S. policy and sparking a diplomatic uproar. He also argued that any settlement in Lebanon must include Hezbollah. Barak quickly backtracked, clarifying that U.S. policy has not changed.

U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barak sparked a diplomatic uproar after calling Israeli control of the Golan Heights "an occupation violating UN resolutions and international conventions." The statement contradicted official U.S. policy, which recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan in 2019 under Trump. Defense Minister Israel Katz responded sharply, calling his remarks "riddled with failures." Additionally, Barak argued that any stable settlement in Lebanon must include Iran and Hezbollah at the negotiating table. Following the criticism, Barak quickly clarified in an interview with Al-Sharq network that his words described a historical context and that U.S. policy remains unchanged. He emphasized that the U.S. only engages with the Lebanese government and does not legitimize Hezbollah.