Trump’s Golan Heights Move Broadly Condemned Worldwide

President Trump’s recognition of the 1981 Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights has been cheered by Israel’s government, which sees it as a big political win. Everywhere else, however, the reactions are just condemnations of the illegality or the ill-considered implications of the move.

Russia and France were both very clear that the US move amounts to a violation of international law, since Golan is sitll recognized internationally as part of Syria. Britain confirmed that Golan is occupied, and only said that they have no intention of following the US lead. EU officials also say the union-wide stance will not change.

The Druze minority that lives in occupied Golan was critical of the move, saying that even with Israel, and now the US, considering the Golan Heights to be part of Israel, would still be considered to have “Syrian” blood under Israeli law.

Jordan also opposed the move, saying they still consider Golan part of Syria. It’s clear why in this case, as Israel occupied parts of Syria and Jordan in the same war, and the US recognition of the annexation of the Syrian part may open Israel to annexing the West Bank and getting US approval for that as well.

The most direct opposition was from Syria, who echoed Russia and Iran in saying it violates several UN resolutions on Golan’s status. Syria also added that they intend to ultimately recover the territory from Israel, whether the US recognizes it or not.