Israel captured most of the strategic Syrian plateau during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981. The UN considers this occupation illegal, but Israel has just approved a plan to increase the number of settlers in the area.
The Israeli government has taken a new step in its illegal occupation of the Golan Heights after approving a plan last Sunday to double the population of some 50,000 residents spread across some 30 settlements, including Jews and Druze Arabs. Israel captured most of the strategic Syrian plateau during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981.
Strategic advantage. The Golan Heights, with a maximum altitude of 2,800 meters, provides a high point from which movements in Syria can be monitored, including the capital Damascus, which is about 60 kilometers away. The orography of the place also provides a natural barrier against military attacks.
Water resources. The region is one of Israel’s most important water sources, with a third of total water consumption coming from the Golan Basin.
Fertile land. The volcanic soils are extremely fertile, making it an ideal place for agriculture.
Recreational and tourist use. Likewise, the Golan is also the only place where Israel has a ski resort, on Mount Hermon.
Illegal settlements
The UN considers Israeli settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan illegal, and in 1974 both Syria and Israel established a buffer zone between the two countries of about 70 kilometers, which UN troops patrol.
Syria and Israel have maintained contacts in recent decades to reach a peace agreement between the two parties. However, the talks ended when the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011, and tensions have increased following the United States’ recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the area in 2019.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
