OPINION (TOA) – Israel’s leaders on Thursday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the time had come for the United States to “fully recognize” Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, while the Palestinians warned the move would further destabilize the region and lead to bloodshed. “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 tweeted.
There was no immediate reaction from Syria, which has long vowed to recover every inch of the Golan from Israel. In Israel, the move won widespread praise, but coming just weeks before Israel’s elections, much of the reaction was framed by the campaign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led the praise of Trump, calling the move a “new Purim miracle.” Speaking at a press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Netanyahu said Trump had “made history.” READ MORE
