Special US Presidential Envoy to Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack confirmed that the Syrian Golan remains Syrian territory, stating that Israel occupies the land in violation of United Nations resolutions and the international system, according to official statements. The position contrasts with a previous move by former US President Donald Trump recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the territory, which had broken with UN Security Council resolutions and international law treating the land as occupied since the 1967 war.
Diplomatic Outreach and Border Arrangements
The administration of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made it clear from the outset that it does not want to be in a position of hostility or pose a threat to Israel, according to Barrack. Damascus asked the United States to mediate, leading to five formal negotiation sessions and multiple informal talks hosted in Washington that Barrack described as very productive. Similar to Saudi Arabia, Syria found it difficult to discuss joining the Abraham Accords while the war in Gaza and the Palestinian issue remain unresolved, yet Damascus signaled a willingness to discuss border arrangements and de-escalation. The Syrian proposal centered on a de-escalation agreement alongside a peaceful mechanism for border monitoring, even as Israeli officials expressed initial security concerns regarding al-Sharaa’s assumption of power.
Barrack explained that, from the Israeli perspective, the group that accompanied al-Sharaa did not have a reliable or disciplined record, and that Syria had not yet formulated a clear foreign policy.
Joint Liaison Cell in Amman
During the negotiations, Syria and Israel agreed to establish a joint liaison cell based in Amman, Jordan, according to Barrack. The facility brings together technical experts from both sides for daily communication, which officials view as the primary method to prevent miscalculation and escalation. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations have destroyed most of the Syrian air force’s capabilities, leaving only 14 or 15 aircraft operational and rendering former air force airports practically out of service, Barrack estimated. Israel views Syrian airspace as a corridor to reach Iran, seeking to prevent defensive radars or offensive capabilities from obstructing its movements. Commenting on a recent Israeli strike on Abu al-Dohur airport, Barrack suggested that an Israeli field commander likely acted without prior notice to the US or Turkey to destroy runways and block a potential Turkish training program expansion.
Did you know? US and Turkish leaders previously discussed the shift in power following the fall of the former Syrian regime. When US President Donald Trump asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan why Ankara did not take control of Syria on December 8, 2024, Erdogan replied that Turkey wants a sovereign and independent Syria rather than direct control over the complex region.
Counterterrorism Coordination and SDF Integration
Regarding the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the al-Sharaa government quickly presented a framework to address the issue, prompting US mediation that resulted in an agreement between Damascus and Kurdish authorities, according to Barrack. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi subsequently announced the dissolution of the forces and the full military integration of northeastern Syria. Concurrently, Turkey, Israel, and Syria maintain daily security coordination every evening to target ISIS elements, which continue to exploit ongoing power vacuums to reconstitute themselves inside the country, Barrack reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official US position on the Golan Heights?
According to US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, the US maintains that the Syrian Golan is Syrian territory and that Israel occupies it contrary to UN resolutions and international law.
How are Syria and Israel communicating regarding security?
The two nations established a joint liaison cell based in Amman, Jordan, featuring technical experts who communicate daily to prevent military escalation.
What is the status of the Syrian Democratic Forces?
Following a mediated agreement with Damascus, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution of the forces and the complete military integration of northeastern Syria.
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