U.S. Envoy Says Israel-Syria Conflict “Solvable” Amid Renewed Diplomatic Ties

The United States’ top envoy to Syria has expressed optimism about resolving long-standing tensions between Syria and Israel, describing the conflict as “solvable” during a landmark visit to Damascus, where he praised Syria’s interim government, as per Al Jazeera.

Thomas Barrack, the newly appointed U.S. envoy, raised the American flag at the U.S. ambassador’s residence for the first time since its closure in 2012, signaling a significant shift in U.S.-Syria relations. The visit comes as Washington moves to re-establish diplomatic ties with Damascus following the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Barrack emphasized that any resolution between Syria and Israel must begin with direct dialogue.

“We need to start with just a non-aggression agreement, talk about boundaries and borders,” he told reporters on Thursday.

The visit follows a string of developments marking a thaw in Syria’s relationship with the West. Earlier this month, the U.S. unexpectedly lifted a number of sanctions on Syria, providing a crucial economic boost for a country devastated by nearly 14 years of war. The European Union mirrored the move days later.

Barrack also announced that the U.S. would no longer designate Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, stating that the label became obsolete with the fall of the Assad regime. However, he noted that Congress must still conduct a six-month review before the designation is officially lifted.

“America’s intent—and the president’s vision—is to give this young government a chance by not interfering, not imposing conditions, and not exporting our culture onto yours,” Barrack said.

Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdel Wahed, reporting from Damascus, called the warming of relations a “major shift in the political dynamic of the region.” He noted that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has recently met with representatives from the European Union, the United Nations, and several Western countries.

“This is a form of recognition for the new leadership, offering it an opportunity to revitalize Syria’s economy and attract Western investment to rebuild the nation,” Wahed said.

Syria and Israel have had a hostile relationship since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, when Israel occupied the Syrian Golan Heights. Tensions have persisted through decades of conflict and intensified following the ouster of Assad in December, after a swift offensive by opposition forces.

Shortly afterward, Israel seized additional territory near the Syrian border, citing concerns about the new interim administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israeli forces have continued to carry out military operations inside Syria, as they did under Assad.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump met with al-Sharaa in Riyadh, where he encouraged the Syrian leader to begin normalizing relations with Israel. While al-Sharaa has yet to comment publicly on that suggestion, he has voiced support for reinstating the 1974 ceasefire agreement, which established a United Nations-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights.