Trump move on Golan Heights divides US Israel lobby

The repercussions of U.S. President Donald Trump’s unofficial recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights has reverberated across the international community, and especially among influential Jewish groups in the U.S.

Powerful pro-Zionist organizations in the U.S. — such as the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) — appear deeply divided over Trump’s controversial move.

While the CFR staunchly opposes the decision, AIPAC and the ZOA both hailed the move, for which they thanked the U.S. president.

CFR President Richard Hass, for his part, warned that no Arab government would make peace with Israel after such a decision.

Haas tweeted: “Strongly disagree [with] Donald Trump; now NOT the time 4 US to recognize Israel sovereignty over Golan Hts. No Arab govt would make peace w Israel & would violate UNSCR 242 which rules out acquiring territory by war and serves Israel as it says all states have right 2 live in peace.”