United States recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel explained

Short Title:Proclamation on Recognizing the Golan Heights as Part of the State of Israel
Legislature:U.S. Presidential Proclamation
Territorial Extent: United States
Israel
Signed By:Donald Trump
Status:current

On March 25, 2019, the United States officially recognized the Golan Heights as being under the sovereignty of Israel. Signed into effect by the Trump administration, the U.S. presidential proclamation marked the first instance of any country recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights;[1] the territory is viewed as part of Syria under international law, though it has been under an Israeli military occupation since the 1967 Arab–Israeli War. In 1981, Israel's government passed the Golan Heights Law — a annexation of the territory.

Israeli officials lobbied the United States into recognizing "Israeli sovereignty" over the territory.[2] The U.S. recognition was seen as a political gift from American president Donald Trump, in a bid to help Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu gain a favourable standing among voters in the then-upcoming April 2019 legislative election.[3] [4] It was condemned by a number of countries and organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union (see § Reactions). The Syrian government rejected the U.S. statement, describing it as a "blatant attack" on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The recognition continued under the successor Biden administration.

Background

See also: Status of the Golan Heights and United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel. During the 1967 Arab–Israeli War, Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria. In 1981, the Israeli government effectively annexed the territory through the Golan Heights Law, in a move that was not internationally recognized. Since 1967, the United Nations has recognized the Golan Heights as Syrian territory under an Israeli military occupation.[5]

Prior to the U.S. recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory in March 2019, the Trump administration had signed another presidential proclamation in December 2017, in which the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel. Subsequently, the American diplomatic mission to Israel was relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see Embassy of the United States, Jerusalem); the recognition and relocation was largely condemned by the international community, as the United Nations recognizes the city as a central negotiating block for the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. Though Israeli sovereignty over West Jerusalem is widely accepted, East Jerusalem is viewed as being under an Israeli military occupation.

Announcement

On March 21, 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that it was "time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights."[6] The move was welcomed by Israel.[7] Dozens of people from the Druze community in the Golan Heights protested against Trump's announcement.[8]

Four days later, on 25 March 2019, in a joint press conference in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump signed a proclamation stating that "the United States recognizes that the Golan Heights are part of the State of Israel."[9] [10]

The proclamation was signed in the context of Trump accusing his political opponents of allegedly making "anti-Semitic" comments in prior weeks. Trump designed the proclamation signing and Netanyahu's visit to the United States just two weeks prior to the April 2019 Israeli legislative election as a boost to Netanyahu's bid. The proclamation was also expected to raise Trump's popularity amongst pro-Israel voters in the United States.[3]

Justification for the proclamation

American officials

The proclamation cited "aggressive acts by Iran and terrorist groups, including Hizballah, in southern Syria" as justification for Israel to maintain sovereignty over the Golan Heights as Israel has a "need to protect itself from Syria and other regional threats."

In refuting a supposed double standard in recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights but placing sanctions on Russia for annexing Crimea in 2014, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "What the President did with the Golan Heights is recognize the reality on the ground and the security situation necessary for the protection of the Israeli state. It’s that — it’s that simple." A State Department spokesperson claimed the day following the proclamation that "Israel gained control of the Golan through its legitimate response to Syrian aggression aimed at Israel’s destruction. Russia has occupied Crimea despite the fact that it has recognized Crimea as part of Ukraine in bilateral agreements and despite its international obligations and commitments, including core OSCE principles.”

Israeli officials

Netanyahu claimed at the press conference following the announcement that "Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence," referring to the 1967 war that began with Israeli-launched strikes which were later defended on grounds of pre-emption. An anonymous Israeli official echoed Netanyahu's claims, telling The Washington Post that the recognition of the Golan Heights was justified since the occupied territory was gained in a "defensive war".[11]

Reactions

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that "the status of Golan has not changed,"[12] [13] and the US's move resulted in condemnation, criticism or rejection from the European Union,[14] [15] [16] United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Poland, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, the Arab League, Russia,[12] [17] [18] Ireland,[19] Saudi Arabia,[20] Oman,[21] the United Arab Emirates,[22] Bahrain,[23] Qatar,[24] Kuwait,[25] Jordan,[26] Iraq,[27] Iran,[28] Mauritania,[29] Morocco,[30] Tunisia,[31] Somalia,[32] Lebanon,[33] Japan,[34] Cuba,[35] Venezuela,[36] Indonesia,[37] Canada,[38] Pakistan,[39] Sudan,[40] Malaysia,[41] Vietnam,[42] and China.[43]

Syria called the move a "blatant attack" on its sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintained that it had a right to reclaim the territory.[12] The state-owned news organization Syrian Arab News Agency reported that protests were held in several Syrian provinces against Trump's declaration.[44] Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, whose group was mentioned as a threat to Israel in the proclamation, stated that "resistance, resistance, and resistance" was the only way to take back the Israeli-occupied territories.[45]

The move was praised by Israeli leaders across the political spectrum, including President Reuven Rivlin, Opposition Leader Shelly Yachimovich, Labor leader Avi Gabbay,[46] Blue and White leader Benny Gantz,[47] Speaker Yuli Edelstein, Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon, and New Right co-leaders Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked.[48]

Aftermath

On April 23, 2019, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will bring a resolution for government approval to name a new community in the Golan Heights after Trump.[49] On June 16, 2019, Israel announced the establishment of Trump Heights, a planned settlement in the Golan Heights.[50]

In June 2021, Biden administration in the US affirmed that it would continue to maintain the previous administration's policy of recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.[51] However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has "signalled openness to an eventual policy review".[52] [53]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Trump formally recognises Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights . March 25, 2019 . Al Jazeera . June 2, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190602125752/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/trump-formally-recognises-israeli-sovereignty-golan-heights-190325153937336.html . live .
  2. Web site: Wilner . Michael . GOP lawmakers introduce bill recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Golan . The Jerusalem Post . 2019-02-28 . 2024-08-01.
  3. News: Trump greets embattled Netanyahu, signs Golan Heights proclamation. Kevin Liptak. CNN. 25 March 2019. 26 March 2019. March 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190326211154/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/25/politics/donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu/index.html. live.
  4. 2019 . United States Recognizes Israeli Sovereignty Over the Golan Heights . . 113 . 3 . 613–619 . 10.1017/ajil.2019.35. 213236170 . free .
  6. 1108772952814899200 . realDonaldTrump . Donald. Trump . March 21, 2019 . 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 Trump.
  7. Web site: Trump: Time to recognise Golan as Israeli . BBC News . March 21, 2019 . March 21, 2019 . March 21, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190321180430/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47657843 . live .
  8. News: Druze protest Trump's backing of Israeli sovereignty on Golan . March 25, 2019 . Reuters . March 23, 2019 . March 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190324185814/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-israel-golanheights-protests/druze-protest-trumps-backing-of-israeli-sovereignty-on-golan-idUSKCN1R40RS . live .
  9. Web site: Proclamation on Recognizing the Golan Heights as Part of the State of Israel. Trump. Donald J.. Donald Trump. March 25, 2019. March 25, 2019. January 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210120202308/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-recognizing-golan-heights-part-state-israel/. National Archives. whitehouse.gov. live.
  10. News: Trump, With Netanyahu, Formally Recognizes Israel's Authority Over Golan Heights. Landler. Mark. March 25, 2019. The New York Times. March 25, 2019. Halbfinger. David M.. 0362-4331. April 18, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200418110358/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/us/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-donald-trump-meeting.html. live.
  11. News: To Israel, Trump's Golan Heights decision is a no-brainer: It says occupying territory gained in a defensive war is justifiable. The Washington Post. Adam Taylor. Loveday Morris. 26 March 2019. 26 March 2019. February 15, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210215201021/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/03/26/israel-trumps-golan-heights-decision-is-no-brainer-occupying-territory-gained-defensive-war-is-justifiable/?noredirect=on. live.
  12. News: Trump recognizes Golan Heights as Israeli, boosting Netanyahu and angering Syria . March 25, 2019 . Reuters . March 25, 2019 . March 25, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190325233411/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-israel/trump-recognizes-golan-heights-as-israeli-boosting-netanyahu-and-angering-syria-idUSKCN1R61S6 . live .
  13. News: U.N. chief clear that Golan status has not changed: spokesman. Reuters . March 25, 2019. www.reuters.com. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092030/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-israel-un-idUSKCN1R623E. live.
  14. Web site: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the Golan Heights - Consilium . Consilium.europa.eu . 2019-03-27 . 2019-10-19 . March 27, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190327145255/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2019/03/27/declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-the-golan-heights/ . live .
  15. Web site: Jon Stone Brussels @joncstone . EU member states unanimously reject Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights, defying Trump and Netanyahu . The Independent . 2019-03-28 . 2019-10-19 . March 29, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329131143/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/israel-golan-heights-eu-trump-netanyahu-syria-middle-east-a8843311.html . live .
  16. News: EU Says Does Not Recognize Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights. Noa. Landau. March 22, 2019. Haaretz. March 26, 2019. March 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190326050707/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-eu-says-does-not-recognize-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-1.7045143. live.
  17. Web site: Europe at UN says Golan is not Israeli territory. March 26, 2019. France 24. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327093320/https://www.france24.com/en/20190326-europe-un-says-golan-not-israeli-territory. live.
  18. Web site: Spanish position on the Golan Heights. www.exteriores.gob.es. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327112953/http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/SalaDePrensa/Comunicados/Paginas/2019_COMUNICADOS/20190325_COMU060.aspx. live.
  19. Web site: Department of Foreign Affairs . March - Statement by the Tánaiste on Ireland's position on the Golan Heights - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . Dfa.ie . 2019-10-19 . March 30, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190330032335/https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2019/march/statement-by-the-tanaiste-on-irelands-position-on-the-golan-heights.php . live .
  20. Web site: KSA rejects and denounces the declaration issued by the US Administration to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Height The official Saudi Press Agency. www.spa.gov.sa.
  21. Web site: Sultanate says Golan Heights are Syrian land occupied by Israel. Oman. Observer. March 26, 2019. January 8, 2020. April 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190401070021/http://www.omanobserver.om/sultanate-says-golan-heights-are-syrian-land-occupied-by-israel/. live.
  22. Web site: UAE expresses regret, condemnation of US decision on Golan The official Saudi Press Agency.
  23. Web site: Bahrain deplores US recognition of Syrian Golan as Israeli territory The official Saudi Press Agency.
  24. News: Gulf Arabs, Iran reject U.S. recognition of Golan Heights as Israeli. Reuters . March 26, 2019. www.reuters.com. March 26, 2019. March 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190326145641/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-us-golanheights-saudi-idUSKCN1R709B. live.
  25. Web site: US recognition of Israeli' sovereignty on Syrian Golan fuels tension. March 25, 2019. March 26, 2019. Kuwait News Agency. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091532/https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2784210. live.
  26. Web site: Jordan News Agency (Petra). petra.gov.jo. March 26, 2019. March 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190326122445/http://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=14307&lang=en&name=en_news. live.
  27. Web site: Iraq considers Golan Heights an "occupied Syrian territory," says foreign minister. March 25, 2019 . March 26, 2019. March 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190326142827/https://www.iraqinews.com/features/iraq-considers-golan-heights-an-occupied-syrian-territory-says-foreign-minister/. live.
  28. News: Iranian President Slams Trump for 'Unimaginable' Golan Recognition. . Reuters and The Associated Press. March 26, 2019. Haaretz. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327044751/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/iranian-president-slams-trump-for-unimaginable-golan-recognition-1.7060252. live.
  29. Web site: Arabs decry illegal US decision on Golan Heights . Aa.com.tr . 2019-03-26 . 2019-10-19 . March 30, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190330000116/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/arabs-decry-illegal-us-decision-on-golan-heights/1430150 . live .
  30. Web site: Jordan and Morocco Ratify Golan as Syrian Territory . March 30, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190330011020/https://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=40353&SEO=jordan-and-morocco-ratify-golan-as-syrian-territory . March 30, 2019 . dead .
  31. Web site: Tunisian parliament strongly condemns U.S. decision on Golan Heights . Xinhua . 2019-03-28 . 2019-10-19 . March 30, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190330001639/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-03/28/c_137928589.htm . dead .
  32. Web site: Somalia rejects US decision on Golan Heights . Garoweonline.com . 2019-10-19 . March 30, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190330004213/https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-reject-us-decision-on-golan-heights . live .
  33. Web site: Lebanese officials condemn US Golan decision - News, Lebanon News - THE DAILY STAR. www.dailystar.com.lb. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327121733/https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2019/Mar-26/479694-lebanese-officials-condemn-us-golan-decision.ashx. live.
  34. Web site: Japan does not recognize Israeli annexation of Syrian Golan The official Saudi Press Agency. www.spa.gov.sa. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092452/https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1904013. live.
  35. Web site: Cuba Slams Trump's Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty over the Golan. prensa-latina.cu. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091426/https://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=40145&SEO=cuba-slams-trumps-recognition-of-israeli-sovereignty-over-the-golan. live.
  36. Web site: Venezuela rejects U.S. intent to recognize Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights • Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores. March 26, 2019. February 15, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210215201052/http://www.mppre.gob.ve/en/mfa-venezuela/. live.
  37. Web site: Indonesia rejects Trump's recognition of Golan Heights as part of Israel. March 26, 2019. The Straits Times. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091730/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-rejects-trumps-recognition-of-golan-heights-as-part-of-israel. live.
  38. Web site: From: Global Affairs Canada . Statement on the Golan Heights . Canada.ca . 2019-03-25 . 2019-10-19 . March 27, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190327115229/https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/03/statement-on-the-golan-heights.html . live .
  39. Web site: Pakistan condemns decision to recognise Israel's control over Golan Heights | Pakistan Today. www.pakistantoday.com.pk. March 27, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327142849/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/03/27/pakistan-condemns-decision-to-recognise-israels-control-over-golan-heights/. live.
  40. Web site: Sudan condemns U.S. recognition of Golan Heights as Israeli territory . Xinhua . 2019-03-27 . 2019-10-19 . March 29, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329165847/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-03/27/c_137925508.htm . dead .
  41. Web site: Malaysia slams Trump recognition of Golan Heights annexation . March 28, 2019 . Malaysiakini.com . 2019-10-19 . March 29, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329170207/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/469865 . live .
  42. Web site: Vietnam criticizes US recognition of Israel's sovereignty over Syria's Golan Heights - VnExpress International . E.vnexpress.net . 2019-03-29 . 2019-10-19 . March 29, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329233548/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-criticizes-us-recognition-of-israel-s-sovereignty-over-syria-s-golan-heights-3901640.html . live .
  43. Web site: China Rejects U.S. Decision on Syrian Golan. prensa-latina.cu. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090520/https://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=40236&SEO=china-rejects-u.s.-decision-on-syrian-golan. live.
  44. Web site: Protests held across Syrian provinces against Trump's decision on occupied Golan. ruaa-jazaeri. March 26, 2019. March 26, 2019. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092403/https://sana.sy/en/?p=161830. live.
  45. Web site: Syrians protest as Hezbollah urges resistance over US Golan move. 26 March 2019. 17 March 2019. Al Jazeera. March 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327135412/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2019/03/syrians-protest-hezbollah-urges-resistance-golan-move-190326183052848.html. live.
  46. News: Trump signs declaration recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights . 27 March 2019 . The Independent . 25 March 2019 . en . April 1, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190401013906/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-netanyahu-israel-golan-heights-latest-a8839096.html . live .
  47. News: Cortellessa . Eric . At AIPAC, Gantz vows to rid Israel's leadership of racism, corruption . 27 March 2019 . www.timesofisrael.com . April 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190420030516/https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-aipac-gantz-vows-to-rid-israels-leadership-of-racism-corruption/ . live .
  48. News: Israeli politicians praise Trump's Golan Heights recognition . 27 March 2019 . www.timesofisrael.com . April 13, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190413134655/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/right-wing-israeli-politicians-praise-trumps-golan-heights-recognition/ . live .
  49. News: Trump Town: Netanyahu wants to repay Trump's Golan move with a community named in his honor. Morris. Loveday. 23 April 2019. The Washington Post. 17 June 2019. April 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190423222712/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/trump-town-netanyahu-wants-to-repay-trumps-golan-move-with-a-community-named-in-his-honor/2019/04/23/81a57efe-65e2-11e9-a698-2a8f808c9cfb_story.html?noredirect=on. live.
  50. News: Israel unveils 'Trump Heights' in Golan. BBC News . 16 June 2019. 17 June 2019. May 18, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200518155953/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48656431. live.
  51. News: Lazaroff . Tova . US: No change to policy recognizing Israeli sovereignty on Golan . 28 June 2021 . . 26 June 2021.
  52. News: Israel says it will keep Golan as Assad's fortunes, U.S. views shift. Dan. Williams. Reuters . October 11, 2021. www.reuters.com.
  53. News: After Blinken remarks, Netanyahu says Golan will always be Israel's. Reuters . February 9, 2021. www.reuters.com.

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