JERUSALEM – Israel has announced plans to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, a strategic area captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. This decision comes just a week after Syrian rebel leaders ousted long-time President Bashar al-Assad, leaving the region in political and military uncertainty.
Strengthening Israel’s Hold on the Golan
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of reinforcing Israel’s presence in the Golan Heights, stating, “Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel, and it is especially important at this time. We will continue to hold onto it, cause it to blossom, and settle in it.”
Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, though this move has not been recognized by most countries. In 2019, then-US President Donald Trump supported Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan, a stance that remains controversial globally.
Israel’s government has now unanimously approved a 40-million-shekel ($11 million) budget to encourage growth in the area, with a goal to double its population. Currently, the Golan is home to approximately 31,000 Israeli settlers, many of whom work in farming, vineyards, and tourism. The region also includes 24,000 Druze, a Syrian minority group with deep cultural and religious ties to the land.
Security Concerns Amid Syrian Instability
Despite the removal of Assad, Israeli leaders warn that Syria remains a security threat. Defense Minister Israel Katz noted, “The immediate risks to the country have not disappeared, and the latest developments in Syria increase the strength of the threat.”
Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria to destroy strategic weapons stockpiles and prevent them from falling into the hands of militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. Recently, Israeli forces moved into a demilitarized zone on the Syrian side of the border, capturing an abandoned military post on Mount Hermon, which overlooks Damascus.
While Israel calls this incursion temporary and necessary for border security, Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan, have condemned Israel’s actions, calling it a violation of international agreements.
Syrian Rebels Focused on Rebuilding
Syria’s new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa (better known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani), has taken a cautious stance toward Israel. Leading the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that ousted Assad, Sharaa has stated that Syria is prioritizing rebuilding and stability over engaging in new conflicts.
In a recent interview, Sharaa said, “Syria’s war-weary condition, after years of conflict, does not allow for new confrontations. The priority is reconstruction and stability, not disputes that could lead to further destruction.”
Sharaa also highlighted the need for diplomatic solutions to ensure security, warning against “uncalculated military adventures.”
A Strategic Plateau
The Golan Heights remains a key region for both Israel and Syria due to its strategic military position and resources. While Israel plans to solidify its control over the area, the situation remains fragile, with tensions high along the border and international criticism growing.
As Syria rebuilds and the political landscape evolves, the Golan Heights continues to be a focal point in the long-standing Israeli-Syrian conflict.
