The Israeli state has approved a plan to double the population in the occupied Golan Heights, citing threats from Syria, despite the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 16. He stated that “strengthening the Golan is strengthening the state of Israel.
The plan calls for an investment of more than 40 million shekels ($11 million) to stimulate demographic growth. Israel has controlled most of the Golan Heights since 1967, after the Six Day War, and formally annexed it in 1981. However, the annexation has not been recognized by most countries, and Syria insists on returning the territories.
Israel is not looking for a conflict with Syria, but is forced to respond to potential threats, including the presence of terrorist groups near its borders. At the same time, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that recent events in Syria have increased the risks for the region, despite the rebels' statements about their moderation, Netanyahu emphasized.
AddendumAddendum
Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, said that Israel uses “false pretenses” to justify attacks on Syria. At the same time, he noted that his government is not interested in new conflicts, as the main priority is to restore the country after years of war.
Israel's decision was condemned by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, called the decision “a deliberate attempt to expand the occupation.
After the fall of the Assad regime, Israel occupied a demilitarized zone on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, including part of Mount Hermon, where an abandoned Syrian military post was located. Although the Israeli side claims that this is a temporary measure to ensure security, the country also continues to strike weapons depots in Syria to prevent them from being used by rebel groups.
The Golan Heights are currently home to about 31,000 Israelis and another 24,000 people, most of whom identify as Syrians. Israel's new plan aims to increase the number of settlers, which could escalate international disputes over this strategic region.
Recall
Israeli Prime Minister declared that the Golan Heights are inalienable to Israel after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Netanyahu emphasized the strategic importance of the region and thanked the United States for recognizing the annexation.