Netanyahu Unveils ‘Trump Heights’ In Israel’s Golan Heights

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his administration gathered in the Golan Heights on Sunday to unveil a sign for the community newly named Ramat Trump, which translates into Trump Heights.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to establish a new community,” Netanyahu said during the unveiling. “And also to honor a big friend.”

The prime minister pushed to rename the existing community of Bruchim in commemoration of President Donald Trump’s recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The area is home to only a few hundred residents, however, Israeli leadership is anticipating that the rebranding will encourage migration, reported The Associated Press.

“That you Mr. Prime Minister,” Trump tweeted in response to the tribute. “A great honor!”

“It’s a great recognition of the president’s courageous decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” said David Friedman, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel during the ceremony. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

Friedman also nodded at Trump’s 73rd birthday on Friday, referring to the renaming “a beautiful birthday present.”

Netanyahu revealed in April that he will be introducing a resolution to name a town in the Golan Heights after Trump

The Trump administration officially recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights in March 2019, after the international community had spent decades refusing to recognize the country’s authority over the land. Prior to the move, the U.S. considered the Golan Heights to be a Syrian territory that should be returned to the country in a negotiated settlement.