US Envoy Says Israel Occupies Golan Heights Despite UN Recognizing It as Syrian Territory

Tom Barrett, the US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq, stated in a recent interview that Israel is occupying the Golan Heights, which the United Nations has recognized as Syrian territory. Barrett emphasized that there is an international consensus on this issue, marking a notable departure from the Trump administration’s 2019 official recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Barrett also discussed rising regional tensions, particularly the risk of direct conflict between Israel and Turkey following an Israeli strike in Syria earlier this week. He revealed that Israel had intelligence suggesting Turkey might deploy troops to a military base in Syria, information that was shared with the US. However, the US assessed that such a deployment was unlikely to occur. Barrett noted that the main concern was not only the Israeli strike itself but also Turkey’s unexpected reaction, which neither Turkey nor the US had anticipated.

He speculated that Israel’s decision to strike despite the risks could stem from either a lack of coordination among the Israeli Defense Forces, Mossad, and the Prime Minister’s Office, or a strategic move to test Turkey amid Israel’s ongoing election campaign. Barrett also recalled a previous period of improved relations between Israel and Turkey in the early 2000s and expressed hope that such a "honeymoon" phase could return.

Summary: US envoy Tom Barrett stated Israel occupies the Golan Heights despite UN recognition of Syrian sovereignty, highlighted regional tensions after an Israeli strike in Syria, and discussed potential reasons behind Israel’s actions amid fears of Turkish military response.