How Trump's Golan decision will further frustrate Mideast peace process
President Trump's tweet saying the United State should recognize Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights may help Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in April 9 elections, but may set back Trump's peace plan.
Even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed the step, former US diplomats and peace process veterans say they saw little near-term security benefit, and possible risks, from US President Donald Trump’s decision — announced in a tweet today — for the United States to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
“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.
“President Trump has just made history. I called him. I thanked him on behalf of the people of Israel. He did it again,” Netanyahu gushed, at a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today. “The message that President Trump has given the world is that America stands by Israel.”
Trump’s decision, universally seen as intended to try to boost Netanyahu politically ahead of Israeli elections next month, was taken without evident sign of much serious internal US policy debate.
