Israel to name new Golan town after US president Donald Trump

Israel will name a new settlement in the Golan Heights after US President Donald Trump who recognised Israel's sovereignty over the annexed region.

US President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu

Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu (R) displayed the signed Presidential proclamation on the Golan Heights. Source: AAP

Israel said it will name a new settlement on the Golan Heights after US President Donald Trump. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would be a mark of gratitude to Mr Trump for his decision to recognise Israel's sovereignty over the disputed territory.

Israel captured the Golan region from Syria in a 1967 war and annexed it, in a move not recognised internationally.

 

The United States broke with other world powers last month when Mr Trump signed a decree recognising Israeli sovereignty there.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  with US President Donald Trump
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu display the proclamation on the Golan Heights, March 2019. Source: EPA


"All Israelis were deeply moved when President Trump made his historic decision," Mr Netanyahu said during a tour of the Golan Heights.

He added that, after the Jewish Passover festival, he would "bring to the government a resolution calling for a new community on the Golan Heights named after President Trump".

Syrians hold an Arabic banner
Syrians held up an Arabic banner that reads, "Golan is ours despite Trump's decision". Source: SANA


An estimated 20,000 Israelis live in Golan Heights settlements, which most of the international community considers illegal.



Mr Trump's Golan move followed his decision in December 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, breaking with decades of US policy over the status of a city contested by the Palestinians.


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