US Envoy Says Israel Occupies Golan Heights Despite UN Recognition of Syrian Sovereignty

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 recognizes as Syrian territory. Barrett emphasized that there is an international consensus on this issue. This statement is notable given that the Trump administration officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019, marking a significant policy shift.

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. Although the US assessed this threat as unlikely to materialize, the concern was heightened by Turkey's reaction, especially since the US and Turkey were not informed in advance of the Israeli operation.

Barrett speculated that Israel's strike could have resulted 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. Despite current tensions, Barrett recalled a "honeymoon" period in Israel-Turkey relations in the early 2000s and expressed hope for its return. The interview also touched on US efforts to prevent escalation among Israel, Syria, and Turkey, with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stating that any agreement would lead to peace without relinquishing claims to the Golan Heights.