US Envoy Walks Back 'Occupied' Golan Comment

US Syria envoy Tom Barrack retracted his August 21 remark that Israel "still occupies the Golan against UN resolutions," aligning with Trump's 2019 policy recognizing Israeli sovereignty there. Israel seized the Golan in 1967 and annexed it in 1981. Colombia joined the US in backing Israel's claim in August 2026. No other nations recognize the annexation.