The proclamation formalizes Trump’s statement last week saying it was time for the US to fully recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. At a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Trump said: "The State of Israel took control of the Golan Heights in 1967 to safeguard its security from external threats. Today, aggressive actions by Iran and terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, in southern Syria continue to make the Golan Heights a potential launching ground for attacks on Israel."

"Any possible future peace agreement must account for Israel’s need to protect itself from Syria, Iran, and other regional threats. Under my administration, the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Israel has never been stronger,” Trump noted.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the UN's policy on Golan is reflected in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and that policy has not changed. Syria's foreign ministry called the US decision a blatant attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned President Trump’s recognition, saying on Monday that his decision does not change the area’s status. Chairman of the Russian State Duma's International Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky said Trump's move is completely contrary to international laws and UN resolutions.