Trump's Golan Heights decision deepens rift with Turkey
The list of disagreements between the United States and Turkey is growing with Washington's decision to recognize the Golan Heights as belonging to Israel.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took a clear, strong stance against the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli land. What remains unclear, though, is how he might follow through on his strident opposition.
“Trump's unfortunate statement has brought the region to the brink of a new crisis,” Erdogan said March 22 during his speech addressing foreign ministers at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul.
Trump announced his decision March 21 and signed an official proclamation March 25.
“Turkey and the OIC cannot be expected to remain silent on such a sensitive issue and submit to a fait accompli. We can never allow legitimization of occupation," Erdogan said at the meeting.
