U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated in an interview on Friday that the U.S. and Israel have differences on the issue of Syria, with Washington prioritizing an agreement with Damascus. Barrack noted that the U.S. favors the Damascus government controlling Syria's southern Sweida province, rather than Druze armed groups linked to Israel. Analysts believe Barrack's remarks send a clear message to Israel that the U.S. does not endorse Israel's support for Druze armed groups. Since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stepped down in December 2024, the U.S. has gradually rebuilt relations with the new government in Damascus, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's view of the new Syrian government differs sharply from that of U.S. President Donald Trump. Israel had previously invaded Syria and threatened the Damascus government.