Donald Trump has claimed the US should recognise Israel's authority over the occupied Golan Heights.
The region - which is around 1,800 square kilometres large and located roughly 60 kilometres from Syrian capital Damascus - was captured from Syria in 1967, and effectively annexed by Israel in 1981.
The latter move was not recognised internationally, with the UN deeming Israel's decision 'null and void' without international recognition.
Currently, hundreds of UN peacekeepers - including more than 100 Irish troops - are stationed in the region to maintain a ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces.
In a shift from US policy, President Trump took to Twitter today saying the US should "fully recognise" Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
He claimed the region is of "critical strategic and security importance" to Israel.
The move was swiftly welcomed by the embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He also suggested Israel 'doesn't have a better friend' than the US president.
At a time when Iran seeks to use Syria as a platform to destroy Israel, President Trump boldly recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Thank you President Trump! @realDonaldTrump
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) March 21, 2019
Trump's comments represent a likely political boon to Mr Netanyahu, who has been facing intense pressure ahead of upcoming legislative elections.
Many polls have shown his Likud party trailing behind a newly-formed alliance.
He's also facing bribery and fraud allegations, with the country's attorney general saying he intends to bring criminal charges against the prime minister.
The relationship between the US and Israel has grown even closer under the Trump administration.
Diplomatic moves have included the controversial decision by Trump to recognise Jersualem as Israel's capital - a decision which was condemned by many world leaders.
