US Formally Recognizes Golan Heights As Part Of Israel

Haaretz reports:

U.S. President Donald Trump met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday to sign a presidential proclamation officially recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory on Monday, thus formalizing a move announced with a tweet earlier on Thursday.

In a joint press conference, Trump said: “We do not want to see another attack like the one suffered this morning north of Tel Aviv,” adding: “Our relationship is powerful.” Trump then said: “We will confront the poison of anti-Semitism.”

Netanyahu called Trump’s decision to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights “historic justice” and a “diplomatic victory,” saying that “Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of defense.” Netanyahu said he brought Trump a “box of the finest wine from the Golan Heights.”

This stagecraft was strategically timed to aid Netanyahu’s reelection bid, of course. Israel votes on April 9th.