Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the Golan Heights belong to Israel and that the Israeli flag will continue to fly in this territory. The Golan Heights are a strategic territory in southwestern Syria, bordering Israel. The heights extend over about 1,800 square kilometers, while the part under Israeli control is about 1,200 square kilometers. According to Israel, control of the Golan is essential for the country's security. In 2019, the United States, under President Donald Trump, recognized Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.