Israel plans to double population in occupied Golan

Last Updated on December 18, 2024 7:04 am

Israel has seized the Golan Heights, citing a threat from Syria. Less than a week after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, Israel announced plans to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights.

In this regard, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, “Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the state of Israel. And this is especially important at this time. We will hold it, expand it and try to settle here.”

In 1967, Israel captured most of the strategic plateau from Syria in the Six-Day War. Later, in 1981, it also annexed the Golan. However, Syria has been using it as its own territory. Although it was under Israeli control.

Later, in 1919, the then US President Donald Trump expressed his support for Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. Although most countries opposed it. Syria also asked Israel to give up the Golan. However, Israel rejected it, citing security concerns. This time, the country has increased its population in the Golan for the same reason.

Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump about the occupation of the Golan and its security. In this regard, he said, “We have no interest in conflict with Syria. The purpose of Israeli activities in Syria was to “thwart potential threats from Syria and prevent terrorist elements from taking over our borders.”

It is known that about 31,000 Israelis have settled in the territory. Many of them work in agriculture, including vineyards and tourism.