On December 14th, Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated, “The Israelis have clearly crossed the disengagement line in Syria, which threatens a new unjustified escalation in the region.” However, he emphasized that after years of war, Syria does not want to enter new conflicts, adding, “The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability.” The next day, December 15th, Israel announced its plan to double the population in the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed this move as crucial to Israel’s security, declaring, “Strengthening the Golan is strengthening the State of Israel.”
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. In 1981, Israel passed the Golan Heights Law, effectively annexing the territory, a move that has not been recognized internationally. The United Nations (U.N.) and most countries consider the Golan Heights as Syrian territory occupied by Israel. While the U.N. Security Council, through Resolution 497 (1981), declared Israel’s annexation “null and void and without international legal effect,” the United States officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019, adding fuel to this discussion.
Currently, Israel controls two-thirds of the Golan Heights. The Israeli government’s plan involves investing over 40 million shekels (approximately $11 million) to encourage demographic growth in the region. This decision has sparked widespread international criticism. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the move, stating, “If we want peace in the region, Syria’s territorial integrity must not be called into question. To put it clearly, a permanent occupation of the Golan violates international law. It does not serve the goal of a lasting stabilization of the region, which we all, and above all the region, urgently need.” Other nations have echoed these concerns. Turkey accused Israel of attempting to expand its borders through occupation, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates warned that such actions could escalate tensions across the region.
The Golan Heights holds strategic military importance due to its elevated position, providing Israel with a commanding view of southern Syria and northern Israel. Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Israel has expanded its military presence in the Golan Heights and is facing criticism for potentially violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces have advanced beyond the disengagement zone, seizing strategic positions like Mount Hermon, which offers clear sightlines to Damascus.
Since Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes against Syrian military installations, including airbases and weapons depots, to prevent these weapons from ending up in the hands of “extremists.” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to Israeli airstrikes in Syria, emphasizing that such actions violate Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Syrian villagers near the Golan Heights have also reported restrictions on their access to fields and movement, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of Israel’s actions.
Although the Israeli government justifies this move as necessary for regional safety and control, the $11 million investment raises questions about their long-term intentions, particularly since they assert plans to leave. Significant spending on infrastructure and settlements suggests Israel aims to integrate the Golan Heights into its society, making any future withdrawal both politically and practically challenging.
Despite Israel’s justifications for security and development, occupation remains occupation. Expanding settlements in the Golan Heights exacerbate the rift between Israel and the international community, undermining international law and Syrian sovereignty. Such actions do little to foster peace and stability in the region. A lasting resolution requires acknowledging the principles of international law and prioritizing dialogue and cooperation over unilateral actions that perpetuate divisions and prolong the conflict.
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