Transportation and Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz called on the government to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights as compensation for the withdrawal of US forces from Syria.
In an interview with Israel Hayom newspaper, Katz said, "Against the background of the American move, it is time to take a step that will strengthen Israel's political and security status, and to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan. As the American move is perceived both as a weakening of Israel in the face of Russia and Iran in Syria - recognizing the Golan will send an opposite message, a strengthening message. The matter has also damaged the alliance between the US and Israel and the status of Israel in the region. We do not want American soldiers to protect us, but we are interested in a move that will project an opposite message than what is perceived as a weakening move."