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The United States should recognize Israel’s sovereignty over Golan Heights, after more than five decades, President Donald Trump proclaimed in a tweet on Thursday.
“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,” he said.
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
Israel seized the small, 690-square-mile region from Syria in the 1967 Arab War, and has since claimed control over the area.
The region is internationally recognized as Syrian land occupied by Israel.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted Thursday, “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!”
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
Trump’s statement comes ahead of Israel’s legislative elections on April 9.
No policy has officially been changed, but the announcement signifies a big shift in
