Overview
- Barrack told an interviewer on Friday that Israel “still” occupies the Golan Heights, a phrase that appeared to contradict the U.S. position set in 2019.
- He issued a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday retracting that description and saying United States policy on the Golan was set by President Trump in 2019 and is unchanged.
- Barrack also criticized recent Israeli strikes on the Abu Duhur airbase in northern Syria, a comment that drew pushback from Israeli officials who said the strikes aimed to prevent a Turkish foothold.
- He clarified that he was not proposing negotiations with Hezbollah and restated that the U.S. does not negotiate with the group because it is a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- The episode forced a quick diplomatic correction, underscored strains in U.S.-Israeli coordination, and highlighted unresolved regional tensions involving Syria, Turkey and Iran-backed Hezbollah that could complicate future talks.