Saudi Arabia, other Gulf states reject US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

Five Persian Gulf nations are rejecting President Trump’s proclamation recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, warning that such a move would have “negative effects” on the overall Middle East peace process.

Reuters reported Tuesday that the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait all issued statements condemning the president’s decision to acknowledge the long-contested region, which sits on the border of Israel and Syria, as part of Israel’s territory.

{mosads}It has long been disputed by Israel and Syria’s militaries dating back to the Six-Day War, when Israeli forces originally seized the territory. The country officially annexed it in 1981, though the annexation was not widely recognized.

“[President Trump’s decision] will have significant negative effects on the peace process in the Middle East and the security and stability of the region,” Saudi Arabia’s state-run news agency said Tuesday, according to Reuters. The agency also reportedly referred to the move as a violation of the United Nations charter.

Other countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait, reportedly called the official recognition by the U.S. regrettable, while Qatar’s government went a step further and called for an end to Israel’s occupation of the region.

Trump signed the proclamation on Monday while standing next to Israel’s controversial prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in the White House, calling for an end to terrorist groups that “continue to make the Golan Heights a potential launching ground for attacks against Israel.”

“This was a long time in the making. Should have taken place decades ago,” Trump said.

Netanyahu is battling charges of fraud and bribery for which he was indicted late last month. He has denied the charges, likening them to “political persecution” from the country’s law enforcement.

He cut short his trip to Washington after a rocket attack struck central Israel.