Syrian Leader Mocks Trump's Golan Recognition, Faces Online Backlash

Syrian opposition leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani revealed that during a visit to the White House, he joked with then-U.S. President Donald Trump about American recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Al-Julani recounted that he suggested Trump give Israel the state of New Jersey instead of recognizing its claim to the Golan, arguing that Trump did not own the Golan Heights to give away, but did own New Jersey.

However, al-Julani's attempt to undermine the Golan recognition backfired ironically, as the name "Golan" itself appears in the Hebrew Bible thousands of years before modern Syria's establishment. This detail was not lost on social media users, who widely criticized al-Julani's remarks. One user questioned his credibility, asking if he expected the world to believe his "nonsense," while another pointed out that the Israeli Golan Heights are populated solely by Israelis.

Al-Julani's jest was intended to highlight that Israel had no historical connection to the Golan. He also commented that New Jersey is full of Democrats who do not vote for Trump, implying it would be a better gift to Israelis. The exchange reportedly took place during a visit to the White House while Trump was in office.