FDD POLICY BRIEF
Trump Calls for Israeli Sovereignty over Golan Heights
by Jonathan Schanzer and David Adesnik
March 21, 2019

President Trump wrote on Twitter this afternoon, “After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights.” The announcement has been jeered by critics of the administration, but there is less controversy than meets the eye. Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War, which was a pre-emptive war Israel launched in self-defense. United Nations Resolution 242, issued following the conflict, called for “withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict.” This text, now somewhat famous for its ambiguity, never called for withdrawal from “all territories.” READ MORE

NATIONAL REVIEW Why Trump’s Golan Heights Gesture Won’t Derail Peace Since there’s no peace process worthy of the name, it’s better to stand with our ally — and send a warning to Iran.

THE HILL Syria slams Trump on Golan Heights declaration Syria on Friday slammed President Trump over his surprise declaration that the U.S. should recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, saying the decision was “irresponsible” and threatened international stability.

TIMES OF ISRAEL EU says it will not follow Trump in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Golan Syria, Russia, Iran and Turkey condemn US president’s surprise announcement, warn it could destabilize region.