Israel has announced plans to double the population of the Golan Heights, a strategically significant region it has controlled since the 1967 Six-Day War. The move comes despite ongoing threats from Syria, which still demands Israeli withdrawal from the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of strengthening and settling the Golan, calling it crucial for Israel’s security at this time.
Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and formally annexed it in 1981, a move that has not been internationally recognized, though in 2019, the US under President Donald Trump backed Israeli sovereignty over the region. Despite this, Syria continues to seek its return, citing security concerns. Israel, however, insists that its presence in the Golan is essential for protecting its borders.
In a move to further solidify its control, Netanyahu’s government approved a 40-million-shekel ($11 million) plan to encourage demographic growth in the Golan. The goal is to double the population, currently at around 31,000 Israelis, many of whom work in farming and tourism. The Golan is also home to a significant Druze population, who primarily identify as Syrian and have long been caught between the conflicting political forces.
Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that despite the moderate image presented by some rebel groups in Syria, the threats to Israel remain strong. The latest developments in Syria only intensify these risks, he said. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military presence in the region, including a temporary occupation of Mount Hermon, as part of efforts to ensure security along its northern border.
The Syrian conflict, which has ravaged the country for years, has weakened Syria’s ability to mount any new confrontations, said Ahmad al-Sharaa, a leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which recently ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa stressed that Syria’s priority is now reconstruction and stability, not engaging in further military conflicts. He also advocated for diplomatic solutions to secure peace and avoid further destruction.
In response to Israel’s actions in the Golan, several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan, have condemned Israel’s control over the region, calling it an unlawful seizure of territory. Despite this, Israel has maintained its stance, continuing its military operations in Syria to prevent the proliferation of weapons that could be used by hostile groups.
As Israel looks to solidify its presence in the Golan, the international community remains divided, and Syria’s internal situation continues to complicate any path to peace or resolution. The coming years may see more tension over this strategically important region, as Israel moves forward with its plans to reshape the demographic landscape of the Golan Heights.
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