Israel’s intelligence minister has said US recognition of its sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights is at the top of the agenda in its diplomatic talks with its closest ally.
Israel Katz told the Reuters news agency that the move – in what is internationally recognized as Syrian territory – would be a “painful response” for Iran, which has a military presence in Syria.
He said:
“This is the perfect time to make such a move. The most painful response you can give the Iranians is to recognize Israel’s Golan sovereignty – with an American statement, a presidential proclamation, enshrined (in law).”
Israel pushing US to recognize its sovereignty over occupied Golan Heights in #Syriahttps://t.co/YggySHjajj via @Whatsupic
— Whatsupic (@Whatsupic) May 25, 2018
Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since it defeated Syria in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and has in the past mulled returning the territory to Syria in exchange for a peace deal with Damascus.
The Israelis have since changed tactics and argued in favor of keeping the land, citing the civil war in Syria and Iran’s presence there in support of the Syrian government.
Katz said Israel wanted the Syrian government to distance itself from the Iranian government in exchange for Israel’s non-intervention in the country.
Another #Adelson purchase? #Israeli minister says #US may soon recognize Israel's hold on #Golan https://t.co/urKWapzycg
— annie fofani (@anniefofani) May 24, 2018
Katz said Israel wanted the Syrian government to distance itself from the Iranian government in exchange for Israel’s non-intervention in the country.
#Syria's #GolanHeights
“This is the perfect time to make such a move. The most painful response you can give the Iranians is to recognise Israel’s Golan sovereignty – w/#US statement, a presidential proclamation, enshrined (in law)”#Israel's Intel Minister.https://t.co/3mdBehn11F— Sonia Mota (@SoniaKatiMota) May 24, 2018
Earlier this month, Israel launched air attacks on Iranian targets in Syria after it accused Iran of launching missiles towards its positions in the occupied Golan Heights.
(AJE, PC, Social Media)
