US envoy states Israel’s intervention in Syria ‘complicates matters’

(MENAFN) U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, has said that Israeli involvement in Syria is making efforts toward stability more difficult. Speaking during a State Department briefing on Thursday, Barrack acknowledged that the U.S. and Israel do not share the same perspective on the situation in Syria.

Barrack emphasized that Washington is aiming to help Syria stabilize and is working closely with both the Syrian government and regional actors, especially Türkiye. When asked whether Israel’s actions are aiding that effort, he replied, “Yes, it complicates matters.”

While he stopped short of labeling Israel as aggressive, Barrack noted that its actions are “not helpful,” citing the lack of mutual understanding between the two countries on the Syrian issue.

He also said that Israel’s concerns appear to stem from its desire to prevent threats from Iran. “Israel is highly sensitive about its borders,” he said. “They don’t want another threat between themselves and Iran. In my view, they want a buffer zone of reliable partners stretching from the Golan Heights to the Iranian border.”

Barrack added that Syria has no interest in conflict with Israel, but Israel’s strategic objectives in the region—such as controlling visibility and influence between its territory and Iran—add complexity to the situation.

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