Key facts
- US envoy Tom Barrack described Israeli strikes on Syria's Abu al-Duhur military air base as an 'unnecessary escalation'.
- Barrack stated the US was deeply concerned and encouraged prioritizing 'logical discourse'.
- He indicated Washington sees no alternative to working with Syria's current government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- Barrack criticized Israeli strikes in southern Syria aimed at stopping attacks on Suwayda.
- A ceasefire in Syrian Druze areas was reportedly holding.
- Syria and Israel are nearing a 'de-escalation' agreement, according to Barrack.
U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack has characterized Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military air base in northwestern Syria as an "unnecessary escalation" that does not contribute to regional stability. Barrack conveyed the U.S.'s deep concern regarding the attacks and urged all parties involved to prioritize dialogue over further military incidents.
In Beirut, Barrack stated that Washington sees no alternative to working with Syria's current government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Mohammed al-Jolani, to restore stability. He also reiterated U.S. criticism of Israel's strikes in southern Syria, which targeted government troops amid conflict in the Suwayda province. A ceasefire in the Druze areas appeared to be holding after more than a week of fighting.
Barrack suggested that Israel's objective might be to maintain Syria's fragmentation, which he noted would contradict U.S. policy. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the strikes, asserting they were necessary to halt the massacre of Druze civilians and stating that Israel's actions reflect strength and responsibility.
Meanwhile, Syria and Israel are reportedly nearing a "de-escalation" agreement. Barrack indicated that Israel would cease its attacks, and Syria would agree not to position heavy machinery near the Israeli border. This agreement is viewed as a preliminary step toward a broader security deal being negotiated between the two nations.