Trump To Formally Recognize Israel’s Sovereignty Over Golan Heights
Netanyahu to meet President on shared interests and actions in the Middle East
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States would fully recognize Israel’s sovereignty over Golan Heights, according to reports.
Trump's tweet came during a visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Jerusalem.
"After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and regional stability", Trump said via Twitter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the President's tweet thanking him for his support.
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Israel captured Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 before annexing the territory in 1981.
According to an NYTimes report, during a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Netanyahu urged the US to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the area.
Folwing Trump's decision, Netanyahu praised the presdient.
"At a time when Iran seeks to use Syria as a platform to destroy Israel, President Trump boldly recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Netanyahu tweeted.]
"Thank you President Trump! @realDonaldTrump"`
According to Politico: Netanyahu will meet with Trump at the White House for a working meeting on March 25 to “discuss their countries’ shared interests and actions in the Middle East." The prime minister will also attend a White House dinner on March 26.
After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2019
At a time when Iran seeks to use Syria as a platform to destroy Israel, President Trump boldly recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Thank you President Trump! @realDonaldTrump
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) March 21, 2019
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Netanyahu's trip to the White House comes several weeks ahead of the Israel elections, where the prime minister is facing a fierce reelection battle.
While speaking to reporters on Thursday in Israel before Trump's announcement, Pompeo declined to confirm whether the U.S. was considering recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.
"I don’t have anything to say about that," he told reporters.
"The administration’s considering lots of things always, and I try to make sure we get to answers before we talk about them publicly."
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has strongly advocated for Israel, called on Congress to also recognize the president's request.
"President Trump’s decision to recognize the Golan as part of Israel is strategically wise and overall awesome," Graham tweeted.
"Well done, Mr. President! Now I, along with Senator @tedcruz, will try to get Congress to follow your lead."
