05.12.2025 20:08
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, stated that Washington wants Turkey to be part of the international peacekeeping force to be established in the Gaza Strip, saying, "If I were advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I would say that not preventing Turkey's participation would be one of the best things he could do." On the other hand, Barrack also signaled a green light for Turkey's return to the F-35 program.
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, made a statement regarding Turkey's participation in the expected international peacekeeping force to be established in the Gaza Strip during a conference he attended in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"THE U.S. WANTS TO SEE TURKEY IN THE PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN GAZA STRIP"
Barrack stated that the U.S. wants Turkey to be a part of this peacekeeping force. However, he also emphasized that Israel might oppose this idea, saying, "If I were personally advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I would tell him that not blocking Turkey's participation would be one of the best things he could do."
"ISSUES REGARDING F-35s WILL BE RESOLVED IN 4-6 MONTHS"
Barrack also addressed the issues related to Turkey's purchase of S-400 air defense systems from Russia and the hindrance of supplying Turkey with fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets. He reported that Turkey has largely resolved the operational compatibility issues with the S-400 systems and concerns regarding their use, stating, "I believe the remaining issues will be resolved in 4 to 6 months."
ERDOĞAN-TRUMP RELATIONSHIP
Barrack also referred to the meeting held at the White House last September between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that the relationship between the two leaders is very close and that President Erdoğan and Trump are very good friends.
SANCTIONS ON SYRIA AND ISRAEL-LEBANON TENSION
Barrack also touched on the process of lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, expressing hope that the U.S. Congress would lift the remaining sanctions imposed during the regime of Syria's ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.
CALL FOR ISRAEL AND LEBANON
The U.S. Special Representative also made statements regarding the increasing tension between Israel and Hezbollah. Barrack commented on Israel's intense attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement reached through U.S. mediation, saying, "If you kill one person, you create 10 more who will fight. This cannot be the solution; there must be another response to this situation." He called for direct contacts between Israel and Lebanon, stating, "There needs to be a meeting in Tel Aviv to sit down and talk; this situation needs to end."