Kathmandu— United States Ambassador Tom Barrack has clarified his position on the Golan Heights, reasserting that US policy recognizes Israeli claims to the territory following remarks last week suggesting it remained occupied. The ambassador to Turkiye and envoy for Syria walked back his earlier comments on Sunday, emphasizing former President Donald Trump’s 2019 decision recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the land in southern Syria after initially acknowledging the area as occupied Syrian land during a podcast interview.

Initial Remarks Spark Criticism

During an interview with podcaster Mario Nawfal on Friday, Barrack stated that Israel occupies the Golan Heights against UN resolutions and international order, affirming it is Syrian territory. This comment drew swift criticism from pro-Israel advocates, including far-right commentator Laura Loomer who called for his resignation, and Republican Senator Rick Scott, who accused him of failing to understand or research US foreign policy. Both cited Trump’s 2019 proclamation recognizing Israel's claim to the Golan Heights as established policy.

US Policy on the Golan

Barrack clarified in a statement to The Associated Press that United States policy regarding the Golan Heights remains unchanged since President Trump’s 2019 decision. Israel occupied the Golan during the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed it in 1981, but until Trump's administration, no country had recognized the territory as part of Israel. This recognition prompted international condemnation, with legal experts warning it could undermine the prohibition on acquiring land by force.

Recent Shifts in International Recognition

While former US President Joe Biden advocated for a “rules-based order” during his term, he did not reverse Trump’s policy on the Golan Heights. Recently, Colombia's right-wing government also joined the United States in backing Israel’s claim to the territory. Barrack had previously faced criticism for opposing Israeli air strikes on Syria, suggesting they were intended to provoke Turkiye, an ally of the Syrian government.

Barrack’s recent statement reaffirms the current US administration's stance on the Golan Heights, despite previous comments that contradicted established policy.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.