President Trump officially recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel Monday, formalizing a policy change he first announced on Twitter.
“It’s a big moment, a very important moment,” Trump said as he signed a proclamation during an appearance at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Israel took control of the Golan Heights in 1967 to safeguard its security from external threats. Today, aggressive action by Iran and terrorist groups in southern Syria, including Hezbollah, continue to make the Golan Heights a potential launching ground for attacks against Israel. Very violent attacks.”
Israel seized the land from Syria in 1967 during the Six-Day War between the Jewish state and a number of its Arab neighbors. Israel annexed the territory in 1981, but the move was not recognized internationally.
Reversing US policy, Trump first declared his intention to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights in a tweet on Thursday.
On Monday, he reaffirmed the US commitment to Israel, where a rocket fired from Gaza struck a house north of Tel Aviv, wounding seven people, including two children.
“The United States recognizes Israel’s absolute right to defend itself. The despicable attack this morning demonstrates the significant security challenges that Israel faces every single day,” the president said.
“Today I am taking historic action to promote Israel’s ability to defend itself and really to have a very powerful, very strong national security, which they’re entitled to have.”
Netanyahu praised Trump as an ally.
“Mr. President, my dear friend Donald, you have shown consistently incredible support for Israel, for our right to self-defense. When we exercise that self-defense, you never flinched,” he said.
He also joked about giving the teetotaling Trump “a case of the finest wine from the Golan” as a gift.
“I understand you’re not a great wine drinker,” Netanyahu said, “but could I give it to your staff?”
After Trump replied, “Yes,” Netanyahu appeared to make a sly allusion to the probes dogging the White House.
“I hope they don’t open an investigation on it,” he cracked.