On Monday, President Trump officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the occupied and contested Golan Heights region. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was standing alongside President Trump as he signed this proclamation. The Golan Heights region is a large plateau that runs along the border between Israel and Syria approximating 400 square miles. This area has been a very controversial spot starting with Israel gaining control in the Six-Day War in 1967, and ever since it has been a highly controversial area. After Syria attempted to retake this area in 1973, an agreement for a disengagement plan took place. This plan created a 44 mile demilitarised zone patrolled by a United Nations observer force, and it has been there ever since.
In the past, the U.S. had stayed impartial on the topic of this region. However, this latest unpreceded event has strengthened the relations between U.S. and Israeli even further. Just before signing this proclamation, Trump said, “This was a long time in the making and it should have taken place many years ago.” After serious recent threats made by Iranian forces in Syria, Netanyahu told President Trump, “Your proclamation comes at a time when Golan is more important than ever for our security.”
Do you think that this proclamation was a good idea or will it lead to more problems?
Is this a proper way to strengthen relations with Israel or should different steps be taken?
I think this proclamation will further alienate the U.S. from countries backing BDS. Hopefully this proclamation will not seriously anger any nations. Our relations with Middle Eastern countries are already not that great. I think we should try to stay more neutral with Israel.
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