Graphic shows facbox about the Golan Heights.
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MIDDLE EAST

Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

By Duncan Mil

July 2, 2018 - Israel is pressing the Trump administration to recognise the disputed Golan Heights as Israeli territory -- marking the first time since 1945 that the U.S. has acknowledged the validity of land taken by military force.

Speaking to the Reuters news agency in May, Israeli transportation and intelligence minister Yisrael Katz said recognition of Israel’s hold over the territory was “topping the agenda” in talks with Washington.

If the United States decides to recognise Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights, it will be seen as a follow-up on the U.S. exit from the international nuclear deal with Iran, and President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the opening of a new U.S. embassy there in May.

By abandoning the internationally recognised norm of invalidating land taken by force, the Trump administration would complicate other ongoing border disputes.

China has rejected international rulings against its island-building in the South China Seas, arguing that construction is intended to aid peace and maritime safety in the region, while Russia hopes it can legitimise its occupation of Crimea through a diplomatic bargain with the West.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 02/07/2018; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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