The US president’s recognition of Israel’s 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights has attracted widespread condemnation in the Arab world, with American ally Saudi Arabia saying it will have a negative effect on security and stability.
During a White House visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Trump signed a proclamation recognising the Golan Heights as Israeli territory – a dramatic shift from decades of US policy.
Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle East War.
Syria called the decision a “blatant attack” on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying it had a right to reclaim the territory.
The Saudi Press Agency described it as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and of international law.
“Attempts to impose fait accompli do not change the facts,” said the statement, adding the Golan Heights was an “occupied Syrian Arab land in accordance with the relevant international resolutions”.
“It will have significant negative effects on the peace process in the Middle East and the security and stability of the region,” it said.
Read the article in The New Daily.