US Donald Trump’s obsession with his name seems to have spread to the Levant with the latest news of Israel naming a new illegal settlement in the occupied Golan Heights after the President.
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As a “friend of Israel” and to honor him for the “historic decisions” he took for Israel, Netanyahu unveiled the new settlements on Sunday at a naming ceremony during which he honored Trump for recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the territory.
The settlement is not built yet, but a sign bearing Trump’s name with the US and Israeli flags waving over it was unveiled during the ceremony.
Videos and photos from the ceremony were widely shared by Israeli media and official accounts related to the PM.
Meanwhile, Trump did not miss the chance to enjoy it and retweet officials’ posts on the news, considering the president’s love to see his name on things. Which is a little odd, given that settlements are forbidden by international law, to which the United States is a signatory.
Thank you Mr. Prime Minister, a great honor! https://t.co/ozLz84g3i0
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2019
Thank you PM @Netanyahu and the State of Israel for this great honor!???? https://t.co/OUcf6s98UX
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2019
The Golan Heights was seized by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war.
However, the US has been the first country to recognize the Israeli sovereignty over the area, yet its eligibility to do so has been questioned by the international community who condemned the move and refused to recognize the Golan Heights as territory occupied by Israel.
I can think of nothing more appropriate than to name an illegal settlement, on stolen land, after Donald Trump.https://t.co/XpHKrtwfAl
— Heather Wight-Cobb (@hnwight87) June 17, 2019
The move was described by the US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, who attended the ceremony as a “well-deserved, but much appreciated”, yet it has been condemned by many Israeli activists and Syrian officials as well.
New Israeli colony in occupied Golan Heights names after Trump https://t.co/cuaVRs9uyR
— Borzou Daragahi ?? (@borzou) June 16, 2019
Meanwhile, here in the US, the Trump name is being removed from buildings; pic.twitter.com/HUfufn9uef
— Mark Proteau (@MarkProteau) June 16, 2019
Don’t get too excited. Just like all those buildings that used to have your tainted name on it, this too shall one day see your name removed... #Trump
— Andy Ostroy (@AndyOstroy) June 17, 2019
