JUST IN: US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack Says Syria Under al-Sharaa Has “Never Fired a Shot at Israel” and Predicts Faster Normalization Than With Lebanon

Senior US Diplomat Praises Syrian Patience, Highlights Druze Ties, and Suggests Non-Aggression Deal Possible “Sooner Than Lebanon” Amid Ongoing Regional Diplomacy

By Reflecto News Staff
April 17, 2026

US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has offered a notably positive assessment of the interim Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating that Damascus has shown restraint toward Israel and remains open to dialogue.

In recent remarks, Barrack declared: “Syria under the al-Sharaa regime has never fired a shot at Israel, quite the opposite.” He added that Israel has viewed the Druze communities in southern Syria and along the border as “cousins,” while noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “doesn’t care about borders” or “boundaries” in pursuit of security interests.

Barrack emphasized Syria’s “brilliant” decision to avoid adversarial engagement, saying there is “no purpose in it.” He highlighted Damascus’s repeated willingness to talk and its “tremendous patience” despite provocations. The envoy predicted that a non-aggression and normalization agreement with Syria could materialize sooner than with Lebanon, citing the complex dynamics involving “five countries on five borders, two seas.”

US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack during a regional diplomatic engagement.

Barrack’s Assessment: Syria’s Restraint and Openness to Talks

Barrack’s comments reflect ongoing US efforts to stabilize post-Assad Syria and integrate it into broader regional security arrangements. He portrayed the al-Sharaa government as focused on internal reconstruction and avoiding unnecessary conflict with Israel, even as tensions persist over southern Syria, the Druze minority, and Israeli military actions near the border and Golan Heights.

The ambassador noted Israel’s perspective on the Druze — an ethnoreligious group with communities on both sides of the border — describing them as familial or “cousins” to Israeli Druze, who serve prominently in the Israel Defense Forces. This cultural and security linkage has influenced Israeli policy, including past interventions to protect Druze populations in southern Syria during sectarian clashes.

Barrack contrasted this with Syria’s measured approach, arguing that Damascus has consistently signaled readiness for dialogue rather than escalation.

Context: US-Brokered Efforts and Regional Complexities

Since the fall of the Assad regime, the Trump administration has pursued a pragmatic policy toward the new Syrian leadership, including lifting sanctions and engaging directly with al-Sharaa. Barrack, serving in dual roles as ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy for Syria, has been central to these efforts, brokering ceasefires and facilitating talks.

Key flashpoints include:

• Southern Syria and Druze Security: Clashes in areas like Sweida have drawn Israeli attention, with Jerusalem conducting strikes framed as protection for Druze communities. Barrack has previously described some Israeli interventions as poorly timed, complicating stabilization.
• Border and Demilitarization: Discussions center on updating the 1974 disengagement agreement, including zones of limited weaponry, airspace coordination, and verifiable demilitarization.
• Broader Neighborhood: Syria borders five countries (including Israel, Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon) and faces maritime considerations in the Mediterranean, adding layers of complexity.

Barrack’s prediction that a deal with Syria could precede one with Lebanon stems from perceived Syrian pragmatism versus the entrenched role of Hezbollah in Lebanese politics.

Map highlighting southern Syria, the Golan Heights, and Druze-populated areas near the Israeli border.

Israeli and Syrian Positions

Israel has maintained a cautious stance, prioritizing security buffers in southern Syria and protection of minorities while expressing skepticism toward the al-Sharaa government due to its Islamist roots. Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel will not allow hostile forces near its borders.

Syrian officials have welcomed US mediation while insisting on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Al-Sharaa has publicly committed to rebuilding a unified Syria and avoiding external conflicts.

Potential Implications

A non-aggression pact could reduce tensions along the Israel-Syria frontier, open avenues for economic cooperation, and support wider regional de-escalation. However, challenges remain, including:

• Ensuring minority protections (particularly for Druze and Kurds)
• Addressing Israeli presence in strategic areas like Mount Hermon
• Balancing Turkish and other regional influences

Barrack’s optimism aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push for Middle East deals, building on the Abraham Accords model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is Tom Barrack and what is his role?
A: Tom Barrack serves as US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria (and sometimes Lebanon-related matters). A longtime Trump associate, he has been deeply involved in post-Assad diplomacy.

Q2: What did Barrack say about Syria and Israel?
A: He stated that Syria under al-Sharaa “has never fired a shot at Israel,” praised its patience and openness to talks, and noted Israel’s view of border Druze as “cousins.” He predicted a non-aggression/normalization deal with Syria could come sooner than with Lebanon.

Q3: Why does Israel intervene in southern Syria?
A: Israel has cited protection of the Druze minority and prevention of hostile forces near its border and the Golan Heights as primary reasons for its actions and strikes.

Q4: Has Syria engaged in direct talks with Israel?
A: US-mediated discussions have occurred, including on security arrangements, intelligence sharing, and de-escalation. Progress has been reported but remains limited.

Q5: What are the main obstacles to an Israel-Syria agreement?
A: Key issues include Israeli security concerns, Syrian sovereignty claims, the status of the Golan Heights, minority rights, and demilitarization of southern Syria.

Q6: How does this compare to Lebanon talks?
A: Barrack suggested Syria’s restraint makes a deal more feasible in the near term compared to Lebanon, where Hezbollah’s influence complicates negotiations.

Reflecto News Analysis

Ambassador Barrack’s remarks underscore the Trump administration’s active diplomacy aimed at reshaping Middle East dynamics after the Assad era. By highlighting Syrian restraint and Druze connections, Barrack seeks to build momentum for pragmatic security arrangements that prioritize stability over confrontation.

While his assessment offers hope for de-escalation, deep mistrust persists on both sides, and any agreement will require verifiable mechanisms and compromises on borders, minorities, and security. The coming months will test whether US mediation can translate cautious optimism into tangible progress.

For ongoing coverage of US diplomacy in the Middle East, Israel-Syria relations, and post-Assad Syria developments, stay tuned to Reflecto News — your trusted source for accurate and timely international reporting.

Related Coverage:

• US Efforts to Broker Israel-Syria Security Arrangements
• The Role of the Druze Minority in Regional Geopolitics
• Post-Assad Syria: Reconstruction, Minorities, and External Influences

Images used for illustrative purposes from public and news sources.