“Why don’t you give New Jersey to the Israelis?” Syria’s al-Sharaa recalls Trump’s exchange on the Golan Heights at the UN General Assembly | Today’s news
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his speech before the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday (September 23) to reaffirm Syria’s claim to the Golan Heights and reject Israel’s sovereignty over the territory.
Al-Sharaa also recalled a conversation with US President Donald Trump in which he joked that Washington could give Israel New Jersey if Trump wanted to hand over the territory, arguing that the US president does not own the Golan Heights to give it away.
“Why don’t you give New Jersey to the Israelis? You don’t own the Golan Heights to give, but New Jersey.”
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Al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s claim to the Golan Heights and rejected Israeli sovereignty over the territory, asserting that attempts to violate Syrian sovereignty would be resisted.
Al-Sharaa shared a joke in response to Trump’s claim that the Golan Heights belong to Israel, stressing that the US president does not have the authority to give away territory that belongs to Syria.
The UN maintains that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory under Israeli occupation, rejecting Israel’s 1981 annexation and supporting Syrian claims to the region.
Al-Sharaa accused Israel of carrying out 500 airstrikes, more than 1,200 invasions and 300 detentions in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Sharaa indicated that Syria remains open to a diplomatic settlement and believes there is an opportunity for peace that respects the rights of all involved.
Al-Sharaa said he made the remark after Trump told him the Golan Heights belonged to Israel. He added that the joke did not change his stance that the land belonged to his people.
“Trump does not own the Golan Heights.”
“The Golan will remain Syrian territories”
Addressing world leaders at the United Nations, Al-Sharaa said Syria would oppose any move that would challenge its sovereignty over the strategic platform.
“Any attempts that violate our sovereignty, violate international law, will be stopped. The Golan will remain Syrian territories.”
The Golan Heights were captured by Israel from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967, while Israel formally annexed the territory in 1981.
The United States recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights during Trump’s first presidency. In August 2026, Colombia also recognized Israeli sovereignty, becoming the second country to do so.
The UN position remains that the Golan is Syrian territory under Israeli occupation and the UN rejected Israel’s 1981 annexation.
Al-Sharaa rejects Colombia’s recognition
The Syrian president’s comments came after the Colombian government announced in August that it recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Al-Sharaa’s speech at the UN reaffirmed Damascus’ rejection of this position and any recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
“Israel launches attacks against Syria”
Al-Sharaa also accused Israel of conducting repeated military operations in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
“Israel launches attacks against Syria. There have been 500 airstrikes, over 1,200 incursions and 300 detainees.”
He described the actions as a return to an era Syria believed had passed.
“It’s reminiscent of an era we thought was long gone.”
The data was presented by al-Sharaa in his speech at the UN and was not independently verified in the material provided.
Syria still wants peace with Israel
Despite his criticism of Israel, al-Sharaa said Syria remains open to a diplomatic settlement.
“The opportunity for peace and security is available to those who want to live in peace – a just peace that preserves the rights of all.”
Read also | Iranian President Donald Trump’s speech at the UN General Assembly on the Golan Heights
