Yesterday, the US president signed a proclamation recognising Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Iran and Saudi Arabia (along with Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar) have slammed the decision. For Iran’s Rouhani, this is an "unprecedented" action. For Riyadh, this will have "negative effects on the peace process” in the Middle East.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Despite their regional and sectarian rivalry and historic enmity, Iran and Saudi Arabia agree on the controversial decision taken yesterday by the US president Donald Trump to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967.
Syria and Russia also reacted angrily to the US pronouncement, which took place during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
The Israeli leader had to cut his visit short to go home to follow Israel’s military response to a rocket attack launched from Gaza that hit an area near Tel Aviv, wounding seven people.
Today Trump’s move has led to a similar reaction from Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as three other Gulf States, brought together by this regional crisis.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani harshly criticised his US counterpart, describing his decision as contrary to international law.
“No one could imagine that a person in America comes and gives land of a nation to another occupying country, against international laws and conventions... Such action is unprecedented in the current century,” Rouhani was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.
This was echoed in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, one of Washington’s closest regional allies.
"Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," said a statement carried by the official SPA news agency.
The Golan remains "occupied Syrian Arab land" and its recognition as Israeli is a "violation of the UN Charter and international resolutions," the statement also read. "This will have negative effects on the Middle East peace process and security and stability in the region."
Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait share the same view, concerned that the recognition will have “negative effects” on the region’s stability.
Kuwait and Bahrain said they regretted the decision whilst Qatar called on Israel to end its occupation of the Golan Heights and comply with international resolutions.