Agudath Israel of America warmly welcomes the announcement made by President Donald Trump recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights, a mountainous range overlooking Israel, were captured after Syria attacked Israel during the Six Day War and have been in Israel’s hands for nearly 52 years.

All who are familiar with the geography and military history of the region recognize the strategic importance of the Golan Heights. Syrian control of the mountain range posed a mortal danger to Israel. It furnished Syria and terrorist groups a formidable military advantage, providing them with a base from which to launch deadly attacks against Israel and its citizens in the lowlands below. For the past 52 years, with Israeli control of the area, the threat of Syrian aggression has been neutralized. This is all the more vital today, given Syria’s internal instability, continued hostility toward Israel and unholy alliance with Iran and its terrorist agents.

It simply cannot be denied that Israeli control over the Golan Heights has served, and will continue to serve, the interests of peace. We commend President Trump for this bold and historic decision that clearly gives expression to the United States’ understanding that there can be no peace without strong guarantees of a secure Israel.