Israel Agrees to Double Populace in Golan Heights as Tensions With Syria Rise
Israel has agreed to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday, despite threats from Syria and the new rebel leaders who have ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The move is seen as a strengthening of its hold on the strategic plateau, which it captured from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981.
Netanyahu made the announcement after speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, with whom he discussed security developments in Syria. He emphasized that Israel has no interest in a conflict with Syria, but will take necessary measures to thwart potential threats from the country and prevent the takeover of terrorist elements near its border.
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, saying that the latest developments in Syria have increased the threat to Israel, despite the moderate image presented by the new rebel leaders.
To achieve its goal of doubling the population in the Golan, the Israeli government has approved a 40-million-shekel ($11 million) plan to encourage demographic growth in the region. The plan is expected to benefit the 31,000 Israelis who live in the area, as well as the 24,000 Druze, an Arab minority who identify as Syrian.
However, the decision has been condemned by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with the UAE describing it as a “deliberate effort to expand the occupation.” Israel has refused to withdraw from the Golan, citing security concerns, and several Arab countries have called for Israel to vacate the territory.
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, said that Israel is using false pretexts to justify its attacks on Syria and is not interested in engaging in new conflicts, as his country focuses on rebuilding. He emphasized the need for diplomacy to ensure security and stability in the region.