In response to President Trump’s tweet regarding US recognition of Israeli sovereignty in the Golan Heights, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:

There’s no question that, at the present moment, maintaining control of the Golan Heights is of strategic and security importance to the state of Israel — particularly given the ongoing violence and instability in Syria. Ultimately, the final status of the territory will have to be determined by a negotiated agreement. Until then, premature US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan is a needlessly provocative move that violates international law and does not enhance Israeli security.

It’s clear that this cynical move by Trump is not about the long-term interests of the US or Israel, but rather about handing yet another political gift to Prime Minister Netanyahu in the hopes of boosting his chances for re-election next month. Once again, this administration is playing dangerous partisan games with US foreign policy and the US-Israel relationship.