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Israeli residents of Ramat Trump, located in the central Golan Heights, are expressing optimism following the election of Donald Trump, hoping that his potential return to the U.S. presidency will inject vitality into their small, isolated settlement. During his previous term, Trump was the first foreign leader to officially recognize Israel’s claims over the Golan Heights, a region it captured from Syria during the 1967 Middle East conflict. In gratitude, Israel named the settlement in his honor.
However, despite the 2019 naming ceremony, a significant influx of new residents has not occurred, and the community, known in Hebrew as Ramat Trump, is home to only a few dozen families. Employment opportunities are scarce, and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in nearby Lebanon contributes to the residents’ feelings of seclusion. There is a renewed hope that Trump’s election might lead to an increase in community size as well as improved funding for local security measures.
“Perhaps this will raise awareness and generate support to aid our community and our children,” suggested Yarden Freimann, the community manager at Trump Heights. Ori Kallner, the head of the Golan regional council, highlighted potential developments in the area, showcasing well-prepared plots with new infrastructure meant for future housing projects. “President Trump’s return to the White House certainly keeps our town in the spotlight,” he noted.
Standing beside a large metal sculpture representing the United States and Israel, Kallner observed as Israeli warplanes flew overhead, with nearby explosions signaling ongoing tensions from rockets launched from Lebanon. Smoke was seen rising from Israeli airstrikes across the border, further underscoring the proximity of conflict. A prominent sign displaying the settlement’s name shone brightly in the sunlight, even as the nearby flags of Israel and the U.S. showed signs of weathering.
Ramat Trump is situated amidst the remnants of villages abandoned during the 1967 war and overlooks the Hula Valley, where Israeli military forces have been positioned. Many surrounding communities have been evacuated due to security concerns, and children from Trump Heights are currently attending makeshift daycare facilities after local schools were closed due to the ongoing hostilities that erupted with the invasion of Lebanon on October 1.
“We feel like we are barely holding on to our community,” Freimann stated, reflecting on their struggles with displacement and the challenges of providing education for their kids. The settlement lies just 7 miles (12 kilometers) from Lebanon and Syria, and residents receive around 30 seconds’ warning for incoming fire to seek shelter.
Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights was formalized in 1981, a move not widely recognized internationally. This stance shifted in March 2019 when Trump announced U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the area via a social media post, igniting backlash from global leaders who regard the territory as occupied Syrian land. Although the Biden administration upheld this decision, the U.S. remains the only nation to acknowledge Israeli annexation.
Kallner expressed hopes that Trump’s next administration could persuade European nations to recognize the region as Israeli territory. According to Israeli statistics, around 50,000 people reside in the Golan, with a balanced mix of Jewish Israelis and Arab Druze, the latter often identifying as Syrians under occupation.
Despite efforts by Israel to develop settlements in the Golan, economic progress has been hindered by its remote location, situated several hours from Israel’s main economic hubs. The current conflict has exacerbated these economic challenges, especially impacting the tourism sector. A tragic incident on July 28, when a rocket struck a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, claimed the lives of 12 children, further fueling fears of the ongoing war.
In June 2019, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presided over the inauguration of Trump Heights, with the then U.S. ambassador calling the event an apt birthday gift to the former president. Throughout his presidency, Trump bestowed various diplomatic favors upon Israel, such as recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and facilitating significant agreements with Arab nations, known as the Abraham Accords.
While Trump has expressed goals of achieving peace in the area during a potential second term, explicit strategies have not been disclosed. Netanyahu’s previous close rapport with Trump became strained when he congratulated Joe Biden on his electoral victory. Recently, Netanyahu confirmed he was among the first leaders to extend congratulations to Biden, noting with enthusiasm, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” The Israeli leader added that Trump’s anticipated return signifies a renewed commitment to the strong alliance between Israel and the United States.
Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, Kallner remains hopeful: “The Golan community is robust and resilient, attracting individuals of similar determination. I am confident we will navigate these tough times and continue to thrive.”
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