U.S. Envoy’s Golan Remarks Spark Backlash Over Trump Policy

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Syria envoy Tom Barrack said in a Friday interview that Israel still ‘occupies’ the Golan Heights against U.N. resolutions, a characterization that appeared to conflict with established U.S. policy. President Donald Trump formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan in a March 2019 proclamation, citing Israel’s security needs against Syria and regional threats. Conservative activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer called Saturday for Barrack to resign, saying he did not understand U.S. foreign policy. Barrack’s remarks came as Colombia became the second country that month to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the strategic plateau.