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dpa
Washington
US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognizing Israel’s claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights in an event Monday at the White House attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“This was a long time in the making. Should have taken place many decades ago,” Trump said as he signed the presidential proclamation.
The move follows Trump’s shift last year of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, sparking anger in Muslim-majority nations.
Israel seized the strategic Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Israel annexed the territory in 1981, though this move has not been recognized internationally. Trump also declared that the relationship between the two nations has “never been stronger,” and insisted the move on the Golan would bolster Israel’s security.
“I am taking historic action to promote Israel’s ability to defend itself,” Trump said, as Netanyahu nodded approvingly, smiling throughout most of the president’s remarks.
Netanyahu heaped praise on Trump, declaring that “Israel has never had a better friend than you.” The Israeli premier, who heads to elections next month, also announced that “this is truly an historic day.” Netanyahu said he would give a box of Israeli wine to the White House and joked that he hoped it would not lead to investigations.
Both Trump and Netanyahu are facing legal scrutiny, though the US president has just declared victory over the Russia probe, which appears to have concluded that his campaign did not collude with Russian interference efforts in the 2016 election.
The Golan signing ceremony took place as the main pro-Israel lobby group in the US, AIPAC, is holding an annual conference in Washington.
Among the speakers at the three-day event was Vice President Mike Pence, who referred to Israel as “our most cherished ally.” Netanyahu was due to address the conference, but following renewed violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip, was returning home early.
Syria, Iran and Turkey were among the nations quick to condemn the US last week, when Trump indicated he would recognize Israel’s claims over the Golan. Russia said the move would add to regional instability.
In part, Trump and Pence have framed the recognition of the Golan claim as a security issue, to help Israel counter both Iran and Syria.
During the Syrian civil war, Israel repeatedly launched airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria. Syria and Israel have never signed a peace deal, and Israel and Iran remain staunch regional rivals.
Washington
US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognizing Israel’s claim to sovereignty over the Golan Heights in an event Monday at the White House attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“This was a long time in the making. Should have taken place many decades ago,” Trump said as he signed the presidential proclamation.
The move follows Trump’s shift last year of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, sparking anger in Muslim-majority nations.
Israel seized the strategic Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Israel annexed the territory in 1981, though this move has not been recognized internationally. Trump also declared that the relationship between the two nations has “never been stronger,” and insisted the move on the Golan would bolster Israel’s security.
“I am taking historic action to promote Israel’s ability to defend itself,” Trump said, as Netanyahu nodded approvingly, smiling throughout most of the president’s remarks.
Netanyahu heaped praise on Trump, declaring that “Israel has never had a better friend than you.” The Israeli premier, who heads to elections next month, also announced that “this is truly an historic day.” Netanyahu said he would give a box of Israeli wine to the White House and joked that he hoped it would not lead to investigations.
Both Trump and Netanyahu are facing legal scrutiny, though the US president has just declared victory over the Russia probe, which appears to have concluded that his campaign did not collude with Russian interference efforts in the 2016 election.
The Golan signing ceremony took place as the main pro-Israel lobby group in the US, AIPAC, is holding an annual conference in Washington.
Among the speakers at the three-day event was Vice President Mike Pence, who referred to Israel as “our most cherished ally.” Netanyahu was due to address the conference, but following renewed violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip, was returning home early.
Syria, Iran and Turkey were among the nations quick to condemn the US last week, when Trump indicated he would recognize Israel’s claims over the Golan. Russia said the move would add to regional instability.
In part, Trump and Pence have framed the recognition of the Golan claim as a security issue, to help Israel counter both Iran and Syria.
During the Syrian civil war, Israel repeatedly launched airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria. Syria and Israel have never signed a peace deal, and Israel and Iran remain staunch regional rivals.
