The Washington Examiner quoted JINSA CEO and President Michael Makovsky, PhD: Trump’s Move on Golan Heights ‘Reasserts’ Toughness with Syria

Israel experts are praising President Trump’s move this week to recognize the country’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights as a sign that the U.S. is not retreating from its earlier focus on Syria.

“It reasserts some U.S. primacy especially in Syria,” said Michael Makovsky, the CEO of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.

After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2019

In an interview, he said that at a time when the U.S. is perceived as withdrawing from the area, Trump’s move shows that “we are still a player.”

Some in the region have criticized Trump’s move, but Makovsky said the decision announced Thursday was “in line with U.S. policy” and a compliment to the president’s earlier bid to put the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

The Trump move comes at a critical time for Israel and U.S.-Israeli relations. The country is set for an April election and Trump adviser Jared Kushner is wrapping up work on the administration’s new Middle East policy set to drop after the elections.

And at home, Israel is under renewed attack from Muslims and Democrats in a reversal of decades of pro-Israel stances by the liberals.

Makovsky, for example, said Trump’s outspoken support has been critical in fighting anti-Jewish remarks from some politicians including new Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.

She recently criticized pro-Israel politicans and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which meets in Washington this week. Several 2020 Democratic presidential candidates are boycotting the meeting.

Makovsky said he is concerned about the anti-Israel turn by Democrats and suggested Jews might turn on them in upcoming elections.

Referring to Omar’s criticism, he said, “This is where it seems like the Democratic heart beat is. My hope is that it will change.”