26 Mar 2019 | 05:46 AM UTC
Israel/Syria: Trump recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights Mar. 25
US President Donald Trump formally recognizes Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights March 25; related demonstrations possible over the coming days
Event
US President Donald Trump formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday, March 25. The Arab League condemned the decision, claiming that Trump's declaration does not change the territory's official status. Turkey vowed to take action against the decision at the UN, and Syria called the move a "blatant attack" on its sovereignty and reserved its declared right to reclaim the territory.
Related demonstrations are possible in the Golan Heights, Israel, and across the Arab World over the coming days along with accompanying localized traffic disruptions.
Context
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria and has occupied the territory since the Six-Day War in 1967. The international community has maintained that the Golan Heights is de jure Syrian territory occupied by Israel.
Advice
Individuals in the Golan Heights, Israel, and Syria are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence. Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
