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International Law Backs U.S. Golan Policy
(Wall Street Journal) Michael R. Pompeo and David Friedman - President Trump's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights is entirely consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 242 of 1967. Resolution 242 calls on the parties to negotiate a just and lasting peace that recognizes the right of all countries, including Israel, to live "within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force." It provides that Israel would withdraw from some - but not necessarily all - territory captured in 1967 in keeping with that objective. Some of Israel's former enemies pursued peace in good faith, and Israel has withdrawn from more than 88% of the territory it captured in 1967. Syria is a different story. In word and deed, Damascus has for 52 years rejected the negotiating framework of Resolution 242. It has maintained a state of war with Israel since 1948. It is a client of Iran and one of the most brutal regimes on earth. By affirming Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the president has afforded Israel the only secure and recognized boundary that can exist under the circumstances - the objective of Resolution 242. Mr. Pompeo is U.S. secretary of state. Mr. Friedman is U.S. ambassador to Israel.