TEL AVIV: The Trump administration is not discussing possible US recognition of Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said.
Israel captured much of the Golan from Syria in a 1967 war and annexed it in a move not endorsed internationally.
In May, a senior Israeli official said that US recognition could be forthcoming within months.
“I’ve heard the idea being suggested but there’s no discussion of it, no decision within the US government,” Bolton said during a visit to Israel. “Obviously we understand the Israeli claim that it has annexed the Golan Heights —we understand their position — but there’s no change in the US position for now.”
Palestinians seek other territories that Israel occupied in 1967 — the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem — for a future state. US-backed talks on that goal stalled in 2014.
The Trump administration has tried to restart the diplomacy but has been cold-shouldered by Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas since it recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December.
US has also signalled possible accommodation with Israel’s West Bank settlements. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
