US envoy Barrack signals support for Syrian government control over Suwayda

US special envoy Tom Barrack indicated on Friday that Washington favors Syrian government control over the southern province of Suwayda rather than a local faction linked to Israel. Barrack made the comments during an interview with Mario Nawfal, an Australian social media personality, addressing the ongoing standoff in the region.

Suwayda is a majority Druze governorate and remains one of the few areas in Syria where the central government does not hold full authority. The province has become a flashpoint between Damascus and Israeli interests since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Israel seized territory in Quneitra governorate and other strategic areas immediately after the regime collapse, establishing a military presence in the south.

Barrack referred to a specific Druze sheikh, identified by analysts as Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent political and religious leader in the province. The National Guard, an armed group associated with al-Hijri, has been accused of receiving Israeli support with separatist goals. Barrack’s remarks are interpreted as a clear signal that US backing for the Syrian government is distinct from Israeli interests in the region.

Navvar Saban, a researcher at the Arab Center for Contemporary Syrian Studies, described the envoy’s message as explicit. Saban noted that Israel’s support for al-Hijri does not equate to American backing, stating that Washington has prioritized an agreement with Damascus while Israel retains its own security demands.

The divergence between Washington and Jerusalem has widened since the change in leadership in Syria. US President Donald Trump has cultivated a relationship with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, viewing stability as essential for a country rebuilding after 13 years of war. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a harder stance, threatening al-Sharaa’s government and bombing the Ministry of Defence. Israel has also harassed and arrested Syrians in the south, drawing criticism from Damascus.

Nanar Hawach, a Syrian analyst who visited Suwayda in September, said Barrack’s remarks exposed differences with Israel. Hawach argued that Washington is building a partner in Damascus, while Israel appears to prefer a Damascus too weak to assert itself in the south. Hawach added that Israel uses Suwayda as a lever, offering enough support to keep the province reliant on Israeli protection but too little to secure its future.

Tensions escalated in July 2025 when fighting between Bedouin tribes and Druze residents turned into sectarian killings. Casualties were overwhelmingly Druze, and Israel intervened by attacking Syrian government forces entering the province. A trilateral agreement signed in Amman in September 2025 called for an independent international commission to investigate the events and bring perpetrators to justice.

The situation in Suwayda remains in a deadlock, with many residents distrusting the government. Saban said a durable settlement requires credible accountability for the 2025 violence. He noted that the Druze need guarantees for movement, education, and security, and that neither weakening al-Hijri nor restoring government institutions alone will rebuild trust.