Lebanon is a traditional, long-time partner of Russia in the Middle East, Putin noted during the meeting. At the talks, the Lebanese leader drew the attention to the news about the recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Israel by the US, which, according to him, undermines the foundations and rules of the UN, and international law. According to Peskov, the proclamation signed by US President Donald Trump on recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights will have negative consequences for the situation in the Middle East.
The US recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights is a step that undermines the UN’s common position on this issue, Valdai Club Program Director Oleg Barabanov told the newspaper. At the same time, the expert believes that a serious reaction to this event should not be expected, as this is not an unprecedented decision.
The reaction of the Arab world to the US president’s decision was predictable, Head of Center of the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin told Izvestia. "There is not a single Arab country that agrees with Trump. I have no doubt that everyone will protest, but this is unlikely to have a real impact on the situation," he added.