\nWASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump officially recognized Israel’s\u00a0sovereignty\u00a0of the Golan Heights in Washington on Monday.<\/p>\n
\nThe document reverses more than a half-century of US\u00a0policy as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House.<\/p>\n
\nTrump had previewed the move in a tweet last week, in which he said the US would take the step\u00a0after 52 years of Israeli occupation of the strategic highlands on the border with Syria.<\/p>\n
\nIsrael captured the region from Syria in 1967\u00a0but its sovereignty over the territory is not recognized by the international community.<\/p>\n
\nReaction across the Middle East widely denouced Trump’s decision, with the Syrian government calling Washington’s recognition\u00a0of Israeli claims over the territory an\u00a0attack on its sovereignty.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIn a blatant attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, the president of the US has recognised the annexation of the Syrian Golan,\u201d\u00a0a foreign ministry source said, according to state news agency SANA.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTrump does not have the right and the legal authority to legitimise the occupation,\u201d\u00a0the unnamed source\u00a0said.<\/p>\n
\nThe president of the Arab Parliament, Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami, categorically rejected Trump’s decision, condemning it\u00a0and saying it was \u201cnull and void\u201d with\u00a0\u201cno legal effect,\u201d according to Saudi Press Agency.<\/p>\n
\nHe pointed out that the American decision threatened\u00a0the international order and \u201cshook\u00a0its foundations\u201d\u00a0and that it would\u00a0increase\u00a0tension and instability, as well as the peace and security of\u00a0the region.<\/p>\n
\nLebanon also slammed the decision and Jordan rejected Trump’s recognition of \u201coccupied Syrian territory.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLast Friday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed regret\u00a0at\u00a0Donald Trump’s plan\u00a0to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the territory.<\/p>\n
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