Minister of Intelligence (Likud) Yisrael Katz is calling on the Government of the United States to recognize Israel’s sovereignty on the Golan Heights, which was liberated by IDF forces in the 1967 Six Day War. Despite this, and despite the fact it was annexed as an integral portion of the State of Israel in 1981, it continues to be viewed as being “Israeli occupied” by the international community, including the United States.

Katz feels that with the announced American troop withdrawal from Syria by President Donald Trump, recognizing Israel’s rule over the Golan Heights might serve as a fair compensation package.

Katz made his statement on Sunday in an interview with the daily Yisrael Hayom newspaper, citing in light of America’s move, it is time to step up and bolster Israel’s security and diplomatic status by announcing such a move. He feels that instead of weakening Israel’s position with the withdrawal of US soldiers from Syria, at least in the eyes of Russia, Iran and Syria; recognition of the Golan would send a clear message of support for Israel to those very same countries.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)